The militant group's dismissal follows a Lebanese cabinet decision to establish state control over weapons, calling it an American-imposed "grave sin".
**Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon's Arms Control Initiative as "Grave Sin"**
**Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon's Arms Control Initiative as "Grave Sin"**
Hezbollah's firm stance on its arsenal denotes heightened tensions in Lebanon amidst international pressure for disarmament.
In a pointed rebuttal to the Lebanese government's recent initiative to restrict arms, Hezbollah has labeled the move a "grave sin." The Iranian-backed militant and political organization stated unequivocally that it will ignore the government's directive to the military, which aims to monopolize weapons under state authority. Hezbollah's public statement on Wednesday vehemently declared its intent to disregard this decision.
This bold stance emerges in the context of increasing international calls for disarming the group, especially following its previous military setbacks against Israel. Despite facing significant losses in last year's confrontations, Hezbollah has maintained its stockpile of arms, rebuffing calls from both U.S. officials and domestic competitors to relinquish weapons.
Hezbollah attributed the government's decision to external pressures, labeling it an outcome of American "diktats." Even so, the group professed its willingness to engage in dialogue regarding Lebanon’s national security, albeit under the condition that it is not perceived as capitulation to aggression.
On Tuesday, Lebanon's cabinet directed military leaders to formulate a strategy to bring all arms into state control by the end of the year. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conveyed this request following an extensive cabinet session. This campaign for disarmament aligns with recent proposals by U.S. diplomats, which suggested that Hezbollah could fully disarm in exchange for Israel ceasing its military operations and withdrawing from certain occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
While Israel claims its military actions are necessary to thwart Hezbollah's rearmament, the group's leader, Naim Qassem, dismissed any discussions of disarmament while Israeli attacks persist, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire agreements.
Despite its challenges, Hezbollah continues to hold substantial influence among Lebanon's Shia population, and any discourse surrounding its disarmament could exacerbate existing tensions in a country still haunted by its civil war from 1975 to 1990.
This bold stance emerges in the context of increasing international calls for disarming the group, especially following its previous military setbacks against Israel. Despite facing significant losses in last year's confrontations, Hezbollah has maintained its stockpile of arms, rebuffing calls from both U.S. officials and domestic competitors to relinquish weapons.
Hezbollah attributed the government's decision to external pressures, labeling it an outcome of American "diktats." Even so, the group professed its willingness to engage in dialogue regarding Lebanon’s national security, albeit under the condition that it is not perceived as capitulation to aggression.
On Tuesday, Lebanon's cabinet directed military leaders to formulate a strategy to bring all arms into state control by the end of the year. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conveyed this request following an extensive cabinet session. This campaign for disarmament aligns with recent proposals by U.S. diplomats, which suggested that Hezbollah could fully disarm in exchange for Israel ceasing its military operations and withdrawing from certain occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
While Israel claims its military actions are necessary to thwart Hezbollah's rearmament, the group's leader, Naim Qassem, dismissed any discussions of disarmament while Israeli attacks persist, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire agreements.
Despite its challenges, Hezbollah continues to hold substantial influence among Lebanon's Shia population, and any discourse surrounding its disarmament could exacerbate existing tensions in a country still haunted by its civil war from 1975 to 1990.
