Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanon’s government issued a measured and considered response to a United States initiative calling for Hezbollah disarmament, earning praise from both parties while maintaining an orderly, responsible approach.
As part of U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack’s June 19 proposal calling for full disarmament by November in exchange for Israeli military withdrawal and financial aid, Beirut provided Barrack with an eight-page document during his meeting with President Joseph Aoun on July 7 (APnews.com, Reuter’s, Archyde).
Although its contents remain classified, Hezbollah has apparently submitted a response which details a conditional disarmament roadmap linked to simultaneous Israeli troop withdrawals and an end of airstrikes, according to reports in Jpost.com.
Barrack was extremely pleased by Lebanon’s swift and substantive response to an extremely complex challenge; noting its speed and substance. (Reuters +15; Straitstimes +15.)
Hezbollah Opposition to Disarmament
Despite the government initiative, Hezbollah remains strongly opposed to unilateral disarmament. Secretary-General Naim Kassem repeated Hezbollah’s position on July 6 by emphasizing disarmament would only begin once Israel withdraws all border positions and ceases airstrikes (straitstimes.com/politico.com/11 = +11 for reference; AAPNews/11 for reference).
Kassem described their arsenal as indispensable to both defense and resistance efforts.
Lebanon’s Strategic Approach
Lebanese leadership is currently treading a fine line: both on the domestic front, as well as internationally.
As indicated in draft responses seen by Israeli forces and Hezbollah forces in early July, the government favors a phased approach involving mutual steps taken between Hezbollah and Israeli forces; these responses can be found here (all links open in new tab). [Weather forecast from ABCNews.go.com is +15 for Hezbollah attacks; usnews.com also +15; AAPnews +7 (USNews +15; AAPNews +15)].
President Aoun supports consolidating all weapons under state control by 2025; however, any integration must be voluntary and not forced (fdd.org +4; Wikipedia:en wiki +4)
Lebanon views this as a means to unlock much-needed economic reconstruction aid tied to systemic reform and state control over arms.
As part of its compliance with the 2024 ceasefire agreement, Lebanon’s army has dramatically reduced Hezbollah’s military posture south of Litani River by dismantling various facilities–although lighter arms remain.
What This Means for Regional Security If Lebanon’s phased-disarmament plan proceeds successfully, it could represent a dramatic transformation in their national security landscape — strengthening state control, alleviating cross-border tensions and opening the way to international aid. Progress depends upon Israeli withdrawal as well as an end to militant strikes in Lebanon.
Failure or refusal from either side could destabilize the fragile ceasefire agreement that has held since November, leading to renewed cross-border conflict. Hezbollah remains firm in its resolve while Lebanon’s leadership strives to forge consensus amidst various domestic and external pressures.
What to Watch Next In anticipation of Barrack’s follow-up visit: Will the U.S. push further scrutiny and timelines based on Lebanon’s comprehensive response?
Hezbollah’s internal debate: Will they accept disarmament tied to Israeli concessions or remain resistant?
Key Regional Reactions: How will Israel, the U.S., and UN peacekeepers react to Lebanon’s proposal?
Lebanon’s measured and conditional approach reflects the complexity of state-building efforts in a deeply divided landscape. Both international and domestic stakes are high for this step toward stability; its success or failure could determine its future success or failure.