Lebanon's Tough Choice: Hezbollah's Weapons or Peace?

Lebanon is at a crossroads. The government is about to tackle a big issue: should Hezbollah give up its weapons? This is a crucial moment, as Hezbollah refuses to disarm, while others push for it. The debate has gained momentum since last year's war with Israel, which shook up the balance of power in Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been a major player in Lebanon for years. But not everyone agrees with its armed presence. Christian and Sunni leaders, among others, want Hezbollah to disarm, aligning with U. S. demands. However, Hezbollah sees its weapons as a shield against Israel, and it's not backing down. Recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have raised tensions. Four people were killed, and Israel claims it targeted Hezbollah's equipment. This has added to the urgency of the disarmament discussion. The Lebanese army, which is supposed to have a monopoly on weapons, is in a tricky spot. It doesn't want to confront Hezbollah directly. So, the government's plan might not include a strict timeline for disarmament. If Hezbollah opposes any decision, its ministers and allies might walk out, causing a political stir. Hezbollah has made it clear: it won't give up its weapons. A senior Iranian official even criticized Lebanon's disarmament efforts. Hezbollah's politician Mohammed Raad warned Lebanese authorities not to agree to any plans regarding its arms. The U. S. has proposed a deal: Hezbollah disarms, Israel withdraws, and Lebanon gets economic support. But Hezbollah is not budging. It's also facing pressure from the U. S. and Saudi Arabia to implement this proposal. Amal leader Nabih Berri wants discussions to happen calmly, without deadlines. He doesn't want the army to deal with the Hezbollah arms issue too suddenly. A ceasefire agreement from last year requires Hezbollah to disarm in southern Lebanon, but Hezbollah says it has already handed over weapons in that area.