Hezbollah pushes back on government arms strategy

A Hezbollah lawmaker, Ali Fayad, on Sunday warned the Lebanese government against setting “any timetable” or making “new commitments” regarding the disarmament of the Iran-backed group north of the Litani River, according to Lebanon’s state news agency.

His remarks come ahead of a Cabinet meeting at which Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal is expected to outline the second phase of a state plan to consolidate control over weapons, covering the area between the Awali and Litani rivers.

Fayad said he feared the plan could “weaken Lebanon’s negotiating position” and create further internal tensions. He accused Israel of continuing attacks despite previous concessions, arguing that disarmament steps should be suspended unless Israel fully complies with the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal, cessation of hostilities, prisoner releases, and the return of displaced residents.

Hezbollah has so far refused to hand over its weapons north of the Litani, despite a government decision last August. 

Meanwhile, Israel continues near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon and occasionally in the Bekaa Valley, claiming Hezbollah has failed to dismantle its military infrastructure as required under the ceasefire that followed 13 months of fighting.