Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon's Arms Control Measures as "Grave Sin"

Hezbollah's dismissal of Lebanon's arms control initiative highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding disarmament efforts and reflects the complex relationship between local and international dynamics in the region.

Hezbollah has reacted strongly against the Lebanese government's recent plans for arms control, labeling them a "grave sin." In a statement released Wednesday, the Iranian-backed Shia militant group declared it would disregard the government's decision to empower the military in establishing a state monopoly on arms. Hezbollah asserted that it views the cabinet's move as a non-existent policy, emphasizing its continued commitment to maintaining its arsenal regardless of international demands.

This response comes in the face of increasing calls from both domestic opponents and international actors, particularly the United States, urging disarmament, especially following the significant weakening of Hezbollah during last year's military conflict with Israel. The Lebanese cabinet's decision aims to consolidate arms supplies and production under state authority, prompting Hezbollah to accuse the government of acting on American "diktats."

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the military is to create a plan to ensure all arms fall under state control by the year's end, with discussions scheduled for the cabinet by the end of this month. Meanwhile, in a televised address during the cabinet meeting, Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, reinforced the group's refusal to discuss weaponry topics while "Israeli attacks continue," citing breaches of a ceasefire agreement as a barrier to negotiations.

In recent months, American officials have presented a disarmament proposal, tying Hezbollah's disarmament to an Israeli promise to halt military actions and withdraw from five contested areas in southern Lebanon. Despite its diminished military status, Hezbollah continues to maintain strong support among Shia communities in Lebanon, further complicating the discourse around disarmament and potential revival of tensions reminiscent of the country's civil war from 1975 to 1990.