Lebanon: Government agreement on Hezbollah disarmament also depends on Israeli commitments

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos states that the Lebanese government has accepted the principles of the US proposal — including “the gradual end of the presence of non-state armed groups in the country, including Hezbollah, both north and south of the Litani River.”

However, he notes that the principles to which Lebanon agreed also include “ensuring Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the cessation of all hostilities, including ground, aerial, and maritime violations,” as well as the establishment of a permanent border between Israel and Lebanon and between Syria and Lebanon. He adds that the implementation of these principles depends on the commitment of all countries mentioned in the agreement (including Israel) to the obligations outlined in the document.

In a press conference following the cabinet meeting, Morcos is asked how Hezbollah’s disarmament would be carried out in light of the group’s refusal to cooperate, and whether it would be done by force. He responds that the decisions would be implemented in accordance with a plan to be submitted by the Lebanese army by the end of August, which will include a timeline for disarmament by the end of 2025.