In a defiant statement, a senior Hezbollah official has warned that any attempt to disarm the group will be met with severe resistance, declaring that “any hand that reaches out to take [our weapons] will be cut off.” This pronouncement comes as Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun announced plans to bring all weapons under state control through dialogue, aiming to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
President Aoun emphasized that disarmament would be achieved through negotiations, not force, to maintain civil peace. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Lebanese army to dismantle unauthorized military facilities and confiscate weapons, particularly in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, however, maintains that its arsenal is essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression. The group has expressed willingness to discuss disarmament only if Israel withdraws from five contested hilltops in southern Lebanon and ceases military strikes.
The United States has increased pressure on Lebanon to expedite Hezbollah’s disarmament, with Deputy U.S. Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus likening the group to a “cancer” that must be removed. She also stressed the importance of economic and banking reforms to undermine Hezbollah’s financial networks.
Despite these pressures, Hezbollah remains steadfast in its position, asserting that its weapons are a domestic matter and integral to Lebanon’s defense strategy. The group’s leadership has indicated readiness to engage in dialogue under specific conditions but warns of potential escalation if those conditions are not met.
