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| Location | Lebanon |
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| Cause | United Nations Security Council Resolutions1559 (2004) and1701 (2006) |
| Motive | Establishing the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all its territory and disarming militias. |
| Participants | Lebanon United States Hezbollah |
| Part ofa series on | |
| Hezbollah | |
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Thedisarmament of Hezbollah refers to the demand to limit or eliminateHezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon. Since its emergence in the 1980s, Hezbollah has operated as a Shiite Islamist group that embraces violence to attain its goals. Its key objectives include eliminating Western influence,destroying Israel, pledging allegiance toIran's supreme leader, and establishing anIslamic government influenced byIran's political ideology.
In early 2025 as a new government was formed in Lebanon. At the same time that Hezbollah suffered a major decline in its power, following a series of significant military setbacks suffered during itsarmed confrontation with Israel, which commenced on 8 October 2023 as Hezbollah intervened to support armed groups in Gaza. This presented the country a chance to pursue Hezbollah's disarmament, as the newly elected president and prime minister have prioritized it. The government's main goals for the country's recovery include notable domestic reforms, in order to match international demands and receive a $1.1B aid promised to the country, depending on it capability to enforce those domestic reforms and disarm Hezbollah.
According to available sources, Hezbollah has closed the majority of its training facilities. In light of these developments, Lebanese PresidentJoseph Aoun proposed a framework in which former Hezbollah members could be integrated into theLebanese Armed Forces.[1] However, he emphasized that such integration would not involve the creation of a distinct or autonomous military unit within the army, as was the case with certain militias incorporated following the conclusion of theLebanese Civil War.
From Hezbollah's standpoint, the principal condition for advancing the disarmament process is the provision of guarantees by Israel, specifically a formal commitment to refrain from future attacks on Lebanon and a withdrawal from the five points.[2] An Israeli official stated that before peace talks can progress, Hezbollah must disarm. The official added that this will be very hard and that they do not know if it will succeed.[3]
On 5 September 2025, the government met to review the Lebanese Army plan for confining all weapons in Lebanon to state control, focusing on the disarmament of Hezbollah. The meeting ended with the government accepting the army's plan.[4]
Hezbollah, is a Shiite Islamist militant group and political party based in Lebanon. It was formed in response to Israel's invasion of Lebanon, receiving support from Iran'sIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and had political backing fromSyria'sAssad regime. Its political wing is legitimate having seats in the Lebanese Parliament. Its independent armed wing, often viewed as more capable than theLebanese Armed Forces (LAF), operates of state, undermining national sovereignty and the rule of law.[5][6]
Since established, Hezbollah played a central role in many armed conflicts againstLebanon, Israel andSyria. It played a major role in theLebanese Civil War, managing to exclude itself from theTaif agreement signed by all other parties of the Lebanese Civil War in 1989.[7][8][9] Until 2000 it fought a guerrilla war in Southern Lebanon against Israel leading to its withdrawal.[10][11] In 2006 Hezbollah's cross border raid kidnapping Two Israeli soldiers, started a 34-day war with Israel, that resulted in many casualties and widespread destruction in Lebanon.[12][13][14][15] In 2008 Hezboolah turned its power against Lebanon, during a political crisis as it briefly took hold of West Beirut by force.[16][17][18][19] Then in 2011 it took part in theSyrian civil war as allias ofBashar al-Assad's regime. Following the war it increased its military arsenal.[20][21]
A day after theOctober 7 attacks, Hezbollah started firing guidedrockets andartillery shells into Israel, starting the largest escalation between the sides since 2006. The height of thecampaign was in September 2024 when Israel eliminated Hezbollah's leadership includingHassan Nasrallah, followed by heavy losses estimated at thousands of fighters, and significant blows to its missile infrastructure.[22][23][24] On November 27, 2024, a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France began.[25][26] As a new government rose during 2025 it increased its pressure on Hezbollah to brings its weapons under state control, while Hezbollah itself remains resistant to full disarmament.[27][28][29]
TheTaif Agreement, that ended theLebanese Civil War, called for the disbanding of all Lebanese militias, all parties signed the agreement. However, Hezbollah was informally exempted, for the reason that it was a resistance force to fight the Israeli occupation. An occupation that came to an end in 2000.[30][31][7]
Resolution 1559 was issued during 2004 and it explicitly called for the disbandment and disarmament of all the militias and organizations within Lebanon, regardless if they are Lebanese or non-Lebanese.[32] Once again Hezbollah was not named specifically in the resolution, but it was understood it includes Hezbollah as well. As of 2025 the organization has yet do disarm itself violaiting the resolution.[33][34][27]
Resolution 1701 was created after the 2006 Lebanon War between Hezbollah and Israel, once again this resolution reiterated the call for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, and called for the deployment of the Lebanese army andUnited Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.[35][36]
In October 2024, theFinancial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Lebanon on its grey list, citing serious shortcomings in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.[37][38][39] This designation subjects Lebanon to increased international monitoring and pressure to implement urgent financial reforms. The decision comes amid a deep and prolonged economic crisis that began in 2019, worsened by theCOVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2020Beirut port explosion.[40][41][42] With its banking sector in collapse and a growing reliance on cash transactions, Lebanon has struggled to regulate financial flows effectively.[43]
The FATF has pointed out key concerns, Lebanon has a weak court system that is influenced by politics, and the government hasn't done enough to stop money going to terrorist groups connected to local militias. Being placed on the "grey list" has serious effects: it scares away foreign investors, makes it harder for people to send or receive money from abroad, and increases paperwork and costs for Lebanese banks. This listing shows that Lebanon urgently needs to improve its rules and systems to fight money laundering and terrorism funding, in order to rebuild trust with the global financial community.[43] This is directly connected to Hezbollah as the FATF grey listing of Lebanon as it has a significant role in both Lebanon's political system and its financial environment, which the FATF and international authorities identify as major obstacles to effective anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) enforcement.[44]
In February 2025 a new Lebanese government was formed, endingMikati's caretaker rule.[45][46] One of its agendas was disarming Hezbollah.[47][48] On the same month U.S. envoyMorgan Ortagus visited Lebanon where she spoke firmly that the Lebanese government must disam Hezbollah or "face increased isolation".[49] During the visit she met both PresidentJoseph Aoun and Prime MinisterNawaf Salam, as well as Parliament SpeakerNabih Berri.[49]
March - April 2025, additional Lebanese soldiers are deployed in southern Lebanon to strengthen and assist dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure. It is also reported that 90% of Hezbollah's outposts in south Lebanon were handed over.[50][51]
April 15, 2025, in an Interview President Aoun speaks about a non-violent approach towards the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament, reaching the goal through dialogue and coordination with its Parliament speaker.[52]
April 27, 2025, despite the ceasefire Israel conducts an airstrike on Hezbollah installations in southern Beirut.[53]
Late April 2025, according to the Lebanese Army 90% of Hezbollah's military infrastructure south to the Kitani river was dismantled and so it took hold of former Hezbollah strongholds.[54]
July 4, 2025, According to reports Hezbollah holds internal strategic review in order to consider partial disarmament or scaling down its armed presence, due to its major losses during 2024, financial pressure, ongoing Israeli strikes and the diminish of Iranian support along with the fall of the Assad regime.[55]
Reports emerge that Hezbollah is conducting a major internal strategic review consideringpartial disarmament or scaling down its armed presence, driven by massive losses in the 2024 war, financial pressures, Israeli strikes, and the regional fallout from the fall of Assad's regime and diminished Iranian support
The U.S. Presidential Envoy to Syria,Thomas Barrack, submitted a proposal during his visit in early July. On 5 July, Hezbollah described it as "a form of capitulation."[56] Barrack first visited Beirut on 19 June.[57]
On 7 July 2025, Thomas Barrack visited Beirut, where he met with President Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. During the visit, President Aoun presented Barrack with Lebanese proposals for a comprehensive solution.[58]
On 11 July 2025, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun dismissed the prospect of normalization with Israel at this stage, expressing support instead for a state of "no war" as long as parts of Lebanese territory remain under Israeli occupation.[59] He stressed that the decision to reserve all arms exclusively for the state has been firmly made and is irreversible.
On 5 September 2025, Lebanon's government approved the army's plan presented by GeneralRodolphe Haykal to control all weapons, mainly Hezbollah's, despite the walkout of all five Shi'ite ministers. PM Nawaf Salam announced the decision, while Information MinisterPaul Morcos admitted the army's limited capacity.[60][61] Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar rejected the move as invalid without Shi'ite participation under Lebanon's power sharing system.[60]
On October 2025 Tom Barak, the United States special envoy for Syria, cautioned that Hezbollah's military faction would encounter a significant confrontation with Israel unless Beirut took decisive measures. This warning comes in light of Israel's formidable strength. Lebanon is required to disarm Hezbollah and initiate discussions with Israel. The Lebanese military does not possess the necessary financial resources and authority to take action. Should Beirut persist in its indecision, Israel may proceed unilaterally, leading to severe repercussions, as disarming Hezbollah would ensure the security of Israel's northern frontiers.[62]
On August 5, 2025, a government meeting was held in Baabda Palace focused on the disarmament of Hezbollah. At the end of the meeting the Lebanese Army was assigned to present a plan for the disarmament of Hezbollah and returning state monopoly over arms.[63][64] In response to which, Hezbollah stated that the government has committed a "major sin" and the organization will treat the decision as nonexistent.[65]
On August 7, in a government meeting specifically addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah, the majority of the government voted to approve the decision. The Lebanese Army was tasked to create a plan ensuring that only the state has control over weapons in Lebanon. The decision is based on a U.S. plan to disarm Hezbollah. Before the voting several Shiite ministers, including members aligned with Hezbollah, Amal movement, and independent MPFadi Makki walked out of the meeting.[66][67][68]
Following the decision to disarm Hezbollah Iran's Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi stated that these efforts will fail and that Hezbollah has recovered and in full force. By this showing Iran's full support in Hezbollah.[69] This caused resentment by the Lebanese government bringing Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji to summon the Iranian ambassador and disapprove of Iran's interference in Lebanon. While other voices like MP Ghayath Yazbeck called the comments as "a complete violation of the dignity of a sovereign and independent state" and even urging a complaint to the UN Security Council.[69]
On August 5, 2025, a government meeting was held in Baabda Palace focused on the disarmament of Hezbollah. At the end of the meeting the Lebanese Army was assigned to present a plan for the disarmament of Hezbollah and returning state monopoly over arms.[63][64] In response to which, Hezbollah stated that the government has committed a "major sin" and the organization will treat the decision as nonexistent.[65]
On August 7, in a government meeting specifically addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah, the majority of the government voted to approve the decision. The Lebanese Army was tasked to create a plan ensuring that only the state has control over weapons in Lebanon. The decision is based on a U.S. plan to disarm Hezbollah. Before the voting several Shiite ministers, including members aligned with Hezbollah, Amal movement, and independent MPFadi Makki walked out of the meeting.[66][67][68]
Following the decision to disarm Hezbollah Iran's Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi stated that these efforts will fail and that Hezbollah has recovered and in full force. By this showing Iran's full support in Hezbollah.[69] This caused resentment by the Lebanese government bringing Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji to summon the Iranian ambassador and disapprove of Iran's interference in Lebanon. While other voices like MP Ghayath Yazbeck called the comments as "a complete violation of the dignity of a sovereign and independent state" and even urging a complaint to the UN Security Council.[69]
On 5 September 2025 the government met to review the Lebanese army plan for state control over all weapons, mainly Hezbollah's. At the end of the meeting, PM Nawaf Salam declared that the government accepted the army's plan presented by GeneralRodolphe Haykal. The approval was done even though all 5 Shi'ite ministers walked out of the meeting in protest of the government's stance.[60][61]
According to Lebanese information ministerPaul Morcos, the army will implement the plan even though its limited capacity of personnel and capabilities.[60] Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar said that any decisions made without the involvement of Shi‘ites would be invalid, pointing to Lebanon's system of sharing power among different religious groups.[60]
The roadmap presented to the Cabinet on 5 September 2025, has 5 phases:
Phase 1
During this phase the Lebanese army will complete the disarmament south of theLitani River, where a substantial weapons were already collected with the help of UNIFIL.[70]
Phase 2
Will expand the operation to north of the Litani River up to theAwali River, that is as the entryway toSouth Lebanon.[70]
Phase 3
Will see concentrate on Beirut and its suburbs in order to centralize control in a politically sensitive area.[70]
Phase 4
Will put the focus on theBekaa Valley region, extending disarmament reach into eastern Lebanon.[70]
Phase 5
the final phase of the roadmap will see further activities in the rest of the country, including northern parts of Lebanon, ensuring nationwide enforcement.[70]
Aoun long standing view is that only the state should hold arms and that Hezbollah's disarmament will be achieved only through dialogue, not force. On July 26, 2025, he acknowledged that the progress of the talks with Hezbollah is very slow.[71][72] In his speech on July 31, 2025, in honor of theLebanese Army's 80th anniversary, he addressed all parties emphasizing the historic opportunity for the disarmament of Hezbollah, while restoring and reinforcing state sovereignty.[73]
Salam's stand on this matter was made clear from day one of the new Lebanese government's formation, for him the disarmament of Hezbollah is a priority. He wants to conduct reforms and have a stronger state authority over arms.[74][75][76] In response to Qassem's statement on 15 August 2025, Salam said there is only one government that makes decisions in Lebanon, there is no state that doesn't have arms monopoly and addressing Qassems threat of civil war he said "The implicit or direct threat of civil war, I believe that none of the Lebanese today, ... none of the Lebanese, young and old, men and women, in the south or in the north, wherever they are, none of them wants to return to civil war today".[77]
Reports say that Hezbollah told SpeakerBerri it will not give up its weapons, even if Israel pulls out of the occupied areas. Berri also said the government cannot promise to disarm groups north of the Litani River.[78][79]
Samir Geagea Executive Chairman ofLebanese Forces was quoted in an interview on August 3, 2025, claiming that "Hezbollah's actions have effectively set Lebanon back a hundred years, if not more,". This came just a few days before the government meeting that is set to approve the executive mechanism to implement the "state monopoly over arms". Meaning disarmament of Hezbollah.[80]
Naim Qassem made it clear that Hezbollah will not give up its weapons as long as Israel continues its attacks. He rejected U.S. proposals, calling them a form of "surrender," and said disarmament would only be possible after Israel fully withdraws from southern Lebanon.[81] On July 30, 2025, the day marking the first anniversary of the targeted killing by Israel of senior commanderFuad Shukr, he spoke about the fact that Hezbollah still maintains its power as the resistance in Lebanon, denying the notion of disarmament.[82] In a statement on 15 August 2025 he vowed there will be no disarming of Hezbollah and gave a clear warning that an attempt to confront Hezbollah will mean "no life" for Lebanon.[83][84][85]
Jumblatt is one of the notable voices for the disarmament of Hezbollah saying that Hezbollah must "realize that keeping its weapons and missiles serves no purpose."[86]
France: France supports Hezbollah's disarmament. It has pressed the Lebanese government to move ahead with disarmament efforts more forcefully.[87]
Iran: Foreign ministerAbbas Araghchi said this was not the first time attempts have been made to disarm Hezbollah, adding "we act as a supporter but we do not interfere in their decision-making."[88]
Israel: Israel views Hezbollah's disarmament as a security necessity. Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu welcomed Lebanon's plan to disarm Hezbollah as a "momentous decision."[89]
United States: The U.S. has been a primary proponent of Hezbollah's disarmament, welcoming Lebanon's decision to bring all weapons under state control.[88] U.S. envoyTom Barrack described the development as "historic."[90]
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