On Wednesday, there was a bold opposition from Hezbollah over the Lebanese government’s determination to disarm the group by the end of this year. The group, financially backed by Iran, claims such a step is, in essence, in accordance with the desires of immediate neighbor, Israel. Through a statement, Hezbollah expressed openness for any subsequent discussions over their weapon possession and voiced that the local government should target ‘liberating’ those territories in the southern regions of the country that Israel still controls. This follows the aftermath of a 14-month military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, in addition to being a recognized militant organization, holds significant political sway in the form of a Shiite party and presides over an extensive network of social organizations. This decision threw light on the contrasting standpoints of the Lebanese government and Hezbollah after the latter’s leader staunchly proclaimed that their group will not lay down their arms. He also threatened to react to any escalated military incursion against them by resuming missile assaults on Israel.
In issuing its recent statement, Hezbollah criticized the government’s actions as ‘a grave offense that strips Lebanon of its defensive facilities against Israel.’ The accusation pointed towards the Lebanese government’s decision alleging it to be a consequence of the influence exercised by the U.S. Envoy, Barrack. Hezbollah argued that such a disarmament move considerably weakens Lebanon, as it continues to face the allied military actions of Israel and the U.S.
Lebanon, particularly Beirut, is under considerable pressure from the United States to disarm this political faction which has been left significantly weakened following the war. Notably, the conflict resulted in the loss of many of their vital political and military leaders. Triggered a day post the Hamas-triggered assault from Gaza on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah admitted to have aimed at Israel in a show of Palestinian solidarity.
The said war saw heavy losses, with more than 4,000 casualties and an estimated $11 billion worth of damages before coming to a standstill with a ceasefire in November. Post the ceasefire revelation, Hezbollah officials have been firm in their stance that no talks of disarmament shall proceed until Israel relinquishes control of the five hills it currently occupies within Lebanon, and it puts a stop to the frequent air assaults that have resulted in countless casualties, the majority of them being Hezbollah members.
Israel, on the other hand, has been relentless in its accusations against Hezbollah, stating the group is engaged in reinstating its military strength. Post the declaration of the ceasefire, only one border dispute resulting in an assault has been acknowledged by Hezbollah as being carried out by them.
The post Hezbollah Strongly Opposes Lebanese Government’s Disarmament Push appeared first on Real News Now.
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