Hezbollah has passionately rebuffed Lebanon's government initiative to enforce state control over arms, labeling it a "grave sin," and insists it will not recognize the decision.
Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon’s Arms Control Initiative, Calls It "Grave Sin"

Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon’s Arms Control Initiative, Calls It "Grave Sin"
Hezbollah's firm stance comes in response to Lebanese government plans aimed at arms regulation.
Hezbollah has expressed vehement opposition to the Lebanese government's recent initiative aimed at establishing state control over arms. In a statement released Wednesday, the Iranian-backed group, which has a considerable arsenal, declared its intention to treat the government's decision as if it did not exist, emphasizing that it views the move as a "grave sin." This reaction unfolds amidst mounting international calls for Hezbollah to disarm, particularly following their perceived weakening during last year's conflict with Israel.
The Lebanese cabinet had directed the military to devise a comprehensive plan to consolidate all arms under state authority by year's end. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam remarked that the plan would be discussed further in a forthcoming cabinet session scheduled for this month. Hezbollah, in its response, attributed the government's decision to American influence, labeling it a response to "diktats." Despite this, the group indicated it remains open to dialogue concerning its stance on national security, albeit under non-aggressive terms.
Meanwhile, the context of this decision surfaces against a backdrop of recent American proposals that suggested full disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for Israel ceasing its military operations and withdrawing from several contested areas in southern Lebanon. During a televised address, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group's refusal to negotiate its armament while military actions by Israel persist, asserting that such actions violate ceasefire agreements.
Despite a notable reduction in its military capacity, Hezbollah continues to maintain robust support among Lebanon's Shia communities, making discussions on its disarmament a potential flashpoint for increased national tensions, reminiscent of the country's tumultuous civil war from 1975 to 1990.
The Lebanese cabinet had directed the military to devise a comprehensive plan to consolidate all arms under state authority by year's end. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam remarked that the plan would be discussed further in a forthcoming cabinet session scheduled for this month. Hezbollah, in its response, attributed the government's decision to American influence, labeling it a response to "diktats." Despite this, the group indicated it remains open to dialogue concerning its stance on national security, albeit under non-aggressive terms.
Meanwhile, the context of this decision surfaces against a backdrop of recent American proposals that suggested full disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for Israel ceasing its military operations and withdrawing from several contested areas in southern Lebanon. During a televised address, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group's refusal to negotiate its armament while military actions by Israel persist, asserting that such actions violate ceasefire agreements.
Despite a notable reduction in its military capacity, Hezbollah continues to maintain robust support among Lebanon's Shia communities, making discussions on its disarmament a potential flashpoint for increased national tensions, reminiscent of the country's tumultuous civil war from 1975 to 1990.