Hezbollah agrees to discuss disarmament terms amid ongoing tensions

Lebanon has been under increasing pressure to disarm Hezbollah, a powerful militant group that has suffered significant weakening after the recent war with Israel. President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon insists that any disarmament must be negotiated through discussions around a national security plan to prevent the risk of civil conflict. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, stated that discussions about their arsenal depend on Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories and an end to airstrikes against Lebanon. The delicate balance needed for disarmament concerns the Shia community, a significant part of Hezbollah's base, which may see rapid actions as alignments with Israel. Disarmament would involve the classification of weapons into usable and unusable categories, with usable weapons integrated into the Lebanese army, though this poses challenges due to the differing ideologies between Hezbollah and the Lebanese army. Retired Lebanese army General Hassan Jouni indicated that while integrating Hezbollah fighters demands overcoming a religious and ideological obstacle, many could adapt to regular military roles after training. Ibrahim Mousawi, a Hezbollah parliamentary member, emphasized that discussing the issue remains complex, and specifics are currently in the hands of political leaders. The Lebanese army, suffering from budget constraints and an aging arsenal, has been underfunded and has turned to outside nations like the U.S. for financial support. As negotiations continue, Lebanese officials argue that the Israeli military presence undermines the ceasefire agreement established in November, which called for both Hezbollah and Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Although U.S. officials have recognized the situation as an occupation, they have not pressed Israel to act swiftly. Analysts advocate for U.S. support to the Lebanese army to help solidify its position before a broader negotiation framework. Ultimately, disarming Hezbollah would not only require addressing military concerns but also incorporate critical aspects of Lebanon's national security and military strategy, ensuring that meaningful changes align with Lebanon’s socio-political dynamics. The political climate remains fragile, and any transitions need to be handled with sensitivity to avoid further conflict while navigating aligned interests between local and international actors.