Lebanon’s Ambitious Plan to Disarm Hezbollah: A Three-Month Timeline
In a significant development, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi announced on September 9, 2025, that the Lebanese Army is set to fully disarm Hezbollah in areas near the Israeli border within a three-month timeframe. This announcement comes amid increasing pressure from the United States and ongoing Israeli military actions, prompting the Lebanese government to take decisive steps toward disarmament.
Background of the Disarmament Initiative
The Lebanese government has faced mounting international pressure to address the presence of Hezbollah, a powerful militant group that has long been a dominant force in Lebanese politics and military affairs. Following a year-long conflict with Israel, which included two months of intense warfare, Hezbollah has reportedly suffered significant losses, both in terms of its military capabilities and leadership structure.
In August, the Lebanese cabinet ordered the military to devise a comprehensive disarmament plan. Raggi revealed that Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal has outlined a five-stage strategy aimed at ensuring that the Lebanese state regains a monopoly over weapons within its borders. The first phase of this plan is expected to be completed by the end of November, focusing on the area south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from Israel.
Details of the Disarmament Plan
Raggi emphasized that by the conclusion of the first phase, there would be no weapons, warehouses, or displays of arms in the designated area. The Lebanese Army will implement heightened security measures across the country, including an increase in checkpoints and restrictions on the movement of weapons. However, Raggi clarified that this phase will not involve raids or arrests, focusing instead on preventing the transfer of arms between regions.
The subsequent four phases of the disarmament plan will extend to other areas, including Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley, although specific timelines for these phases have not been disclosed. This cautious approach reflects the complexities of disarming a group that has historically wielded significant influence in Lebanon.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the ambitious timeline, the Lebanese Army faces considerable challenges in executing this plan. Information Minister Paul Morcos acknowledged that the military’s capabilities are limited in terms of logistics, material, and human resources. Raggi noted that Army Chief Haykal has indicated that the military may require more time to fulfill the disarmament objectives, given the current constraints.
In June, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reported that the Lebanese Army had already dismantled over 500 Hezbollah military positions and weapons depots in southern Lebanon. However, the group still maintains a significant presence, including a network of tunnels and fortified positions.
International Dynamics and Diplomatic Pressure
The disarmament initiative is closely tied to a broader ceasefire agreement that ended the recent conflict with Israel. Lebanon’s government has expressed its commitment to disarm Hezbollah, viewing it as a matter of state policy rather than merely a response to external pressures. Raggi emphasized that the arms monopoly is not contingent on a recent U.S. proposal, which outlines a timeline for dismantling Hezbollah’s arsenal and calls for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon.
However, Lebanon has indicated that progress on the disarmament plan is conditional on Israel’s actions. Raggi stated that the Israeli government has not yet demonstrated any commitment to the terms of the American proposal, which complicates the situation further. The Lebanese government is actively seeking diplomatic avenues to persuade Israel to cease its military operations and withdraw its troops from strategic border areas.
Hezbollah’s Response and Historical Context
Hezbollah has vehemently opposed the disarmament plan, accusing the Lebanese government of capitulating to U.S. and Israeli directives. Historically, Hezbollah has positioned itself as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation, which lasted until 2000. The group was the only faction to retain its weapons following Lebanon’s devastating civil war from 1975 to 1990, arguing that its military capabilities were essential for national defense.
In the years following the civil war, Hezbollah emerged as a formidable political force, capable of influencing government decisions and shaping national policy. However, the recent conflict with Israel has altered the balance of power, raising questions about the group’s future role in Lebanese society and politics.
Conclusion
As Lebanon embarks on this ambitious disarmament plan, the coming months will be critical in determining the future of Hezbollah and the stability of the region. The Lebanese Army’s ability to execute the plan effectively will depend on various factors, including international support, internal political dynamics, and the response of Hezbollah itself. The situation remains fluid, and the implications of this initiative will resonate far beyond Lebanon’s borders, impacting regional security and diplomatic relations.
Published – September 09, 2025 10:02 pm IST
