Lebanon’s fragile political landscape has entered a new phase of volatility as the cabinet reconvenes to discuss the contentious issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament. The debate, reignited by sustained pressure from the United States and growing fears of an expanded Israeli offensive, has triggered a political and ideological rift that threatens to destabilize the already precarious balance of power in the country.

The Lebanese government’s recent decision to instruct the national army to prepare a comprehensive plan to confine all armed forces under state control by the end of 2025 is being hailed by some as a historic step toward reasserting national sovereignty. But for Hezbollah and its allies, the move represents nothing less than a betrayal – a decision they argue puts Lebanon’s defense strategy in jeopardy and exposes the country to foreign domination.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite militia and political party, swiftly rejected the cabinet’s decision, stating on August 6 that it would treat the decree “as if it did not exist.” In a fiery statement, the group accused the government of committing a “grave sin” and capitulating to US and Israeli pressure.

“This decision undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and gives Israel a free hand to tamper with its security, geography, politics, and future existence,” Hezbollah’s statement declared. The group further warned that the move serves only to deepen national divisions and would not be accepted by “the resistance and its supporters.”

The resistance in this context refers to Hezbollah’s long-held........

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