Lebanon fears civil war and retreats on Hezbollah disarmament
- The Lebanese government has retreated from requiring Hezbollah to disarm, fearing it could spark civil strife.
- Hezbollah has threatened violence if its weapons are seized, leading to concerns within the Lebanese cabinet.
- Experts believe the government is recognizing the risks and seeking a compromise to avoid conflict.
In Lebanon, fears of renewed civil conflict have led the government to reconsider its stance on the disarmament of Hezbollah, a powerful Shi'a militant group. Recent analysis indicates that the Lebanese cabinet had previously passed a resolution directed at Hezbollah to lay down its arms and to integrate its forces with the Lebanese army. This initially proposed integration would place arms control under the authority of the army, aiming for a cohesive national defense. However, Hezbollah firmly rejected this proposal, threatening violent repercussions if any attempts were made to force disarmament. As the situation has evolved, Lebanese officials appear increasingly apprehensive about the potential for civil unrest. Remarks made by Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, have highlighted a significant softening in the government's position, as he stated that U.S. demands for Hezbollah's disarmament should not be met. Instead, he advocated for a national dialogue aimed at developing a joint defense strategy that includes both Hezbollah and the Lebanese Armed Forces. This shift reflects not only Hezbollah's strong influence but also the precarious balance the Lebanese government must maintain amidst ongoing political tensions. The situation is compounded by the historical context of the Lebanese Civil War, which ended in 1990 but left deep-seated rivalries and power struggles. Given Hezbollah's role in regional geopolitics and its backing from Iran, the group's arsenal remains a contentious issue that poses risks to domestic stability. Many analysts argue that unless a compromise can be reached, Lebanon faces the real possibility of escalating tensions that could lead to another civil war. The Lebanese government's change in approach illustrates the complexity of navigating both internal politics and external pressures while trying to maintain peace within its borders, demonstrating the substantial challenges Lebanon faces in the wake of disarmament discussions.