Hezbollah legislator insists on maintaining their arms, despite increasing pressure
In a recent development, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, met with Lebanese President, Joseph Avn, on Aug. 26. During the meeting, Barrack emphasised the importance of Hezbollah's disarmament.
This call for disarmament has been a recurring theme in the ongoing Lebanese-Israeli conflict. Hezbollah Secretary-General, Naim Qasim, rejected the idea, stating that the group would not abandon its weapons "while Israel continues its aggression."
In a speech at an event in Tyre, Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc member of parliament, Hassan Izzeddine, echoed Qasim's sentiments, urging the Lebanese government to reconsider its disarmament plan. Izzeddine accused Israel of violating the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with U.S. backing.
Sen. Lindsey Graham added his voice to the chorus, stating that Lebanon must disarm Hezbollah before asking Israel to withdraw. Graham also asserted that as long as Hezbollah is armed, Israel will not view Lebanon differently.
Israel, for its part, continues to hold five strategic hilltops seized in recent clashes.
The push for Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon is primarily called for by the Lebanese government under a US-backed plan. Israel also expects a military withdrawal from the south of Lebanon as part of the arrangements; however, Hezbollah resists disarmament unless Israel ceases attacks and withdraws its troops from southern Lebanon.
The initiative followed a June 19 U.S. proposal calling for all weapons in Lebanon to be placed under state control. On Aug. 5, Lebanon's Cabinet met and instructed the army to prepare a plan to collect weapons by the end of the year.
Washington has stated that it would work to secure Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Izzeddine, however, claimed the disarmament effort is linked to the so-called "Greater Israel" project.
At a press conference, Barrack said, "Israel will take steps in parallel with Hezbollah's disarmament." Izzeddine described a recent U.S. delegation visit to Lebanon as an attempt to ensure Israel's safety and remove any threat against it.
The ongoing standoff between Hezbollah and the international community raises questions about the future of the region and the potential for further escalation in the already tense Lebanon-Israel conflict.
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