Lebanon's Cabinet in Turmoil as Shiite Ministers Walk Out During Debate on Hezbollah Disarmament Plan
Lebanon's Cabinet faced intense discussions on Friday over a Lebanese army plan aimed at disarming the Hezbollah militant group and centralizing weapons under state control. Despite a prior deadline for implementation by year-end, the Cabinet has shown signs of wavering.
Lebanon's political landscape was rocked today as Shiite ministers staged a dramatic walkout during a Cabinet meeting that was focused on a military proposal to disarm Hezbollah and transfer control of weapons to the state. The embattled Cabinet had initially set a deadline to execute this plan by the end of the year, but recent deliberations suggest a potential shift in stance.
The discussions have underscored the deep-seated tensions within Lebanon's government, with competing factions grappling over the divisive issue of Hezbollah's weapons. Shiite ministers' exit during such a critical juncture signals the complex challenges facing the country's leadership in navigating this contentious issue.
Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite group with a military wing, has long been a dominant force in Lebanon, complicating efforts to address its arsenal within the broader context of national security.
As the Cabinet grapples with the intricacies of the disarmament plan, concerns linger over the potential ramifications of either implementation or abandonment. The outcome of these deliberations could have far-reaching implications for Lebanon's fragile stability and regional dynamics.