Hezbollah's Weapons and the Lebanese State: Secrets and Hidden Dimensions Behind the Dispute

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Hezbollah's Weapons and the Lebanese State The Secrets: The Hidden Dimensions Behind the Dispute 1. The Strategic Identity of Hezbollah: Hezbollah's weapons are considered a symbol of its political and military existence, and are seen as the first line of defense against Israel. Any attempt to withdraw them is considered a threat to the party's existence, which makes it refuse any discussion about its disarmament. 2- International and Regional Pressures: The United States and its allies, including France, are putting pressure on the Lebanese government to comply with UN resolutions on the disarmament of militias. These pressures coincide with demands for economic reforms, linking disarmament to obtaining financial aid. 3- Internal Divisions: The Lebanese government faces internal challenges, as Hezbollah's weapons are seen by some political forces as a threat to sovereignty, while others consider them part of the national defense equation. These divisions make it difficult to make a unified decision about the party's weapons. Current Reality: A Fragile Balance and Escalating Tension • Hezbollah's Rejection: On August 15, 2025, the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, stated that the party would reject any plan to disarm it, considering that it serves the interests of Israel and threatens the defense of Lebanon. He also warned that any attempt to disarm could lead to internal conflict. • The Position of the Lebanese Government: In contrast, the Lebanese government supported the disarmament plan, noting that it is a step towards restoring sovereignty and strengthening the Lebanese army. However, the implementation of this plan faces significant challenges, including opposition from Hezbollah and regional pressures. • International Pressures: US envoy Thomas Barack called on Israel to comply with the disarmament plan, stressing that Lebanon had taken the first step. However, the implementation of this plan depends on the response of all parties concerned. Future Expectations: Possible Scenarios 1. The Consensual Solution: An agreement may be reached between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government allowing the integration of the party's weapons within state institutions, ensuring relative stability. 2. Internal Escalation: If pressure on Hezbollah continues without guarantees, it could lead to internal escalation, including protests or confrontations with government forces. 3. International Intervention: The United Nations or other countries may seek to mediate between the parties concerned, which could lead to an international agreement guaranteeing the disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for security and economic guarantees for Lebanon. Conclusion: The issue of Hezbollah's weapons in Lebanon is a sensitive and complex issue in which political, military, and regional dimensions intersect. Any decision on disarmament must take into account the balance between national sovereignty and international pressures, while maintaining Lebanon's stability and security.