JAKARTA - The militant group Hezbollah on Tuesday rejected the Lebanese government's decision to give the military at least four months to advance the second phase of the national disarmament plan, saying they would not accept what they considered to be a move in Israel's favor.
Lebanon's cabinet tasked the military in August 2025 with drafting and starting to implement a plan to put all armed groups' weapons under state control, an effort primarily aimed at disarming Hezbollah after its devastating war with Israel in 2024.
In September 2025, the cabinet officially welcomed the military's plan to disarm the Iranian-backed militias, although it did not set a clear timeframe and warned that limited military capabilities and continued Israeli attacks could hinder progress.
Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said in his speech on Monday, "what the Lebanese government is doing by focusing on disarmament is a big mistake because this issue serves the purpose of Israeli aggression".
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said in a press conference on Monday evening after a cabinet meeting, the government had noted the military's monthly report on its weapons control plan, which included arms restrictions in the area north of the Litani River to the Awali River in Sidon, and gave it four months.
"The time needed is four months, it can be extended depending on the available capabilities, the Israeli attacks, and the obstacles on the ground," he said, launching Reuters (18/2).
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said, "we cannot be lenient," signaling the group's rejection of a broader timeframe and approach to its weapons issue.
It is known that Hezbollah has rejected disarmament efforts as a wrong step, while Israel continues to target Lebanon.
Israel says disarmament of Hezbollah is a security priority, arguing the group's weapons outside the control of the Lebanese state pose a direct threat to its security.
Israeli officials say any disarmament plan must be fully and effectively implemented, especially in areas close to the border, and Hezbollah's continued military activity is a violation of relevant international resolutions.
Israel also said it would continue what it described as measures to prevent the strengthening or arming of hostile actors in Lebanon until the cross-border threat was eliminated.
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