Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Ultimatum
Hezbollah has defiantly rejected a U.S.-backed disarmament ultimatum, with its political council deputy chief Mahmoud Komati condemning Lebanon’s cabinet approval of the plan’s “objectives” as a “march in humiliation” that surrenders to Israeli and American interests. The proposal spearheaded by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack demands Hezbollah’s full disarmament by December 31, 2025, while requiring Lebanon to issue a compliance decree within 15 days. In protest, Hezbollah and allied Amal Movement ministers stormed out of Thursday’s cabinet meeting, declaring the decision a “grave sin” that violates Lebanon’s constitutionally protected right to resist occupation.
Occupation and Aggression Continue Unchecked
Critically, the U.S. plan ignores Israel’s ongoing occupation of five strategic positions in southern Lebanon and its daily airstrikes, which killed seven Lebanese civilians just this week. Hezbollah insists disarmament cannot be discussed while Israeli forces remain on Lebanese soil, citing the UN Charter’s guarantee of “inherent right to self-defence”. Komati emphasized: “No state confronts its own resistance while the enemy occupies land and attacks daily”. Despite the November 2023 ceasefire requiring full Israeli withdrawal, Tel Aviv has repeatedly extended deadlines, with troops still entrenched along the border.
Flawed Timeline, Colonial Agenda
The four-phase U.S. roadmap prioritizes Hezbollah’s capitulation before addressing Israeli withdrawals, demanding dismantling of missiles and drones within 120 days. Only then would economic aid, contingent on implementing “Trump’s vision” be offered. Analysts note the hypocrisy: while Hezbollah’s arsenal faces eradication, Israel faces no penalties for ceasefire violations. Retired General Naji Malaeb stressed the Lebanese Army lacks capacity to enforce disarmament, asking: “How can they achieve what Israel’s war machine could not?”. The deal’s “economic incentives” further expose U.S.-Saudi aims to strip Lebanon’s sovereignty under reconstruction guise.
Hezbollah's Support
With Iran reaffirming non-interference but backing Hezbollah’s autonomy, the group retains broad support among Lebanon’s Shia community, who recall how resistance forces liberated the South from Israel in 2000 after failed state efforts. As political analyst Ghassan Rifi warned, the U.S. timeline risks “constitutional crisis” by overriding the Taif Accord, which legitimizes resistance while foreign troops remain. With 27 parliamentary seats, Hezbollah’s bloc could collapse the government, ensuring the U.S. plan meets the same fate as past disarmament demands: steadfast refusal.