Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has directed the Lebanese Armed Forces to develop a comprehensive plan for consolidating all weapons under state control by the end of 2025. The announcement, made following a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, implies that Hezbollah and other armed factions would be required to disarm.
The cabinet was widely expected to announce a formal decision on the disarmament of Hezbollah during Tuesday's session. The discussion was to follow a U.S.-backed proposal that urges Lebanon to rein in non-state armed groups, particularly Hezbollah, whose military capabilities have long operated outside the state’s control. However, Salam confirmed that the decision has been deferred and will be taken up again in Thursday’s cabinet meeting.
“We are committed to strengthening the authority of the state,” Salam said in a brief statement. “The Lebanese Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare a detailed plan to ensure that all arms in the country are brought under legitimate government oversight by year’s end.” (Read More)
