Hezbollah has flatly rejected even a “symbolic” handover of its weapons, despite Lebanon’s government decision earlier this month that arms must be held solely by the state.
The Lebanese Army has been tasked with presenting a plan for implementing the decision by the end of the month, but talks between President Joseph Aoun’s envoys and Hezbollah have stalled.
According to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Hezbollah told negotiators that any attempt to strip it of weapons would mean “confrontation.” The group dismissed proposals for partial or symbolic transfers of arms to the state. Sources noted that Hezbollah’s participation in cabinet sessions does not guarantee stability on the streets.
One compromise idea floated was for the army to present a disarmament plan without binding timelines, to keep dialogue open with Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement led by Speaker Nabih Berri.