• Lebanese Prime Minister authorizes army to draft plan for state monopoly on weapons by year-end.
  • US and international pressure drives the push to disarm Hezbollah and consolidate state authority.
  • Plan includes $1 billion annual funding request for security reforms and reconstruction.

Lebanon's Bold Step Toward Disarmament

Lebanon’s government, backed by President Joseph Aoun, has directed the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to prepare a plan for the state to monopolize all weapons by the end of 2025. The move comes amid sustained pressure from the US and other international actors to disarm Hezbollah and extend state sovereignty over armed groups.

"This is a critical step toward stabilizing Lebanon and ensuring only the state holds the legitimate use of force," said a senior government official familiar with the discussions. The plan, which includes a $10 billion funding request over a decade, aims to strengthen the LAF while addressing post-conflict reconstruction needs.

International Backing and Domestic Divides

The US has tied continued financial and diplomatic support to Lebanon’s progress on disarmament, with a draft proposal calling for Hezbollah to surrender its arms to the LAF. However, the issue remains deeply polarizing. While reformist factions see it as essential for sovereignty, Hezbollah’s supporters argue its weapons are necessary to deter Israeli aggression.

Analysts caution that forced disarmament risks triggering civil unrest, given Lebanon’s fragile sectarian balance. "The state must tread carefully—economic incentives and negotiated solutions are key," said a Beirut-based security expert. An international donor conference is expected soon to rally support for the plan.

Economic and Security Overhaul

Beyond disarmament, the strategy includes cracking down on smuggling and drug trafficking while fostering alternative industries. The LAF, if adequately funded, would undergo significant reforms to assert control. "Without a deal, Lebanon’s economic crisis could worsen," noted a Western diplomat, underscoring the high stakes of the initiative.