By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has intensified calls for Hezbollah to disarm, emphasizing the need for the Lebanese government to have exclusive control over weapons. This stance comes after Hezbollah’s secretary-general declared the group would not relinquish its arms, deeming them crucial for Lebanon’s defense. The United States has reportedly linked Hezbollah’s disarmament to international aid and Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with a deadline set for November 2025. Meanwhile, France has also pressured Lebanon to consider Hezbollah’s disarmament, as the country also struggles to deal with internal conflict and international pressure.
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Lebanon Announces Plan to Disarm Hezbollah. This is certainly a big deal, and the potential consequences are significant. It’s hard not to feel a sense of hope for Lebanon, a country that has weathered so much and deserves a chance to build a stable and functioning society. There’s a real feeling that now might be the right time, especially given recent events.
Now that Hezbollah has been weakened, this is perhaps the best opportunity for Lebanon to reassert its authority. The timing seems particularly advantageous, with the recent perceived setbacks for Iran. And let’s be honest, if this works, it could really benefit Lebanon, giving the country a better chance to move forward.
Of course, it’s not going to be easy. Corruption and sectarian tensions are still major hurdles. Even if Hezbollah is dismantled, those underlying issues will still be there. However, eliminating the physical threat posed by Hezbollah would at least give the average person a chance at a more stable, functioning society.
The core challenge is implementation. The Lebanese government has reportedly amended the American proposal, and a meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2025, to discuss it. There’s a cautious optimism, but we should not be too surprised if it falls short. After all, Lebanon has had its struggles with self-governance. But it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
There’s a real question about the will and the ability to follow through. Some might say it’s a move that will garner support from some Western observers, but the people living in the Middle East who have to deal with the reality of the situation, are probably hopeful that Hezbollah will be disarmed. After Israel has dealt some damage to them, now might be the time to do this.
There’s also the logistical challenge of disarming a powerful militant group, especially one that has been running the country for so long. Hezbollah still has a significant stockpile of weapons. They are still the largest faction in the Lebanese parliament, which suggests a willingness to use the power they have. And the risk of civil war is, unfortunately, still there.
Hezbollah may not be able to threaten Israel as effectively anymore, but internally they still hold a lot of power. Even though some of their leadership may have been eliminated, the rank and file are still there. They are well-trained, well-equipped, and well-organized. Therefore, this is going to be a long and difficult process.
It’s also worth mentioning that Hezbollah isn’t just going to give up their arms. It’s unlikely to happen quickly. Disarming a militant group that has been running the country for 15 years will not happen in a few months. This is a complex situation, and there are going to be many hurdles.
The recent defeats experienced by Hezbollah’s main backer, Iran, have had a role in this decision. If Iran is weaker, then Hezbollah is weaker, and that’s when action can be taken. This also comes at a time when Israel has had some recent success against Hezbollah.
Perhaps the Lebanese army is already preparing for this. It has been rebuilding and removing threats since the recent events, which is a smart move. It will take time to remove Hezbollah completely.
If Lebanon can successfully disarm Hezbollah, it could pave the way for a better future. A well-governed Lebanon could, in theory, foster a positive relationship with Israel. That is a future worth hoping for.