Lebanese President Cites Israeli Military Action as Obstacle in National Plan to Disarm Hezbollah

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has officially announced a national initiative to place all weapons under state authority, outlining a structured plan to disarm Hezbollah through political dialogue rather than confrontation.

President Aoun emphasized that the disarmament process will be handled through direct engagement with Hezbollah leadership, reinforcing the government’s aim to strengthen national sovereignty and restore the exclusive role of state institutions in maintaining security.

“The Lebanese state alone must have the authority to bear arms,” President Aoun stated, adding that the plan will be implemented in phases with a target to complete the transition by the end of 2025.

However, Aoun raised concerns over ongoing Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, warning that it risks destabilizing the process. He accused the Israeli Defense Forces of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and undermining efforts agreed upon in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal reached in late 2024.

Despite these challenges, Hezbollah has reportedly expressed conditional openness to dialogue, provided that Israeli forces withdraw fully from disputed territories and halt cross-border operations.

The president has also tasked the Lebanese Army with reinforcing border security and working alongside law enforcement agencies to monitor illegal weapons caches across the country.

International observers, including the United Nations, have expressed cautious optimism about the disarmament initiative but urged all parties to adhere to international law and safeguard civilian lives.

The plan marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s internal policy and could reshape regional dynamics if successfully executed, especially as it aims to balance national unity, institutional integrity, and long-term peace.