Kamal Shehadeh: Higher Defense Council tasked with developing plans for Hezbollah disarmament

The Lebanese Minister of Displaced Kamal Shehadeh announced Monday night that "the Council of Ministers has tasked the Higher Defense Council with developing plans for the withdrawal of weapons" from Hezbollah while reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing U.N. international resolutions within "specified time limits."

In an interview with the Saudi television channel al-Hadath, Shehadeh stated that "the government remains committed to implementing the terms of the cease-fire agreement within a specified time frame," specifying that "the Council of Ministers has tasked the Higher Defense Council with preparing plans for the withdrawal of weapons from all parties and militias in Lebanon." The minister stated that "the Higher Defense Council will begin discussions with all concerned parties and militias to resolve" the issue of their arsenal. He also emphasized that it is up to the State to "develop a national defense strategy, an absolute priority" and to "extend its authority over the entire national territory."

International resolutions

Shehade, who is part of the Lebanese Forces quota, a party vehemently opposed to Hezbollah, insisted on "the necessity of implementing all international resolutions, notably resolutions 1701 and 1559." Resolution 1701, adopted by the Security Council to end the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, constituted the basis of the cease-fire agreement that came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, to end the war between the two belligerents. The text calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah north of the Litani River and references resolution 1559 stipulating the disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, notably Hezbollah. Hezbollah continues to oppose any search, dismantling, or handover of weapons in this area, arguing that the cease-fire agreement only applies south of the river.

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While the Lebanese army intensifies its efforts to extend its full control over south Lebanon and accelerate the dismantling operations of Hezbollah's sites, the minister stated that "the troop's efforts have been praised by the cease-fire monitoring committee."

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam indicated Monday that his government is determined to implement its reform plan and continue its efforts to "concentrate weapons in the hands of the State," while "extending" its authority over the entire territory. The head of government insisted on the necessity of "strengthening national sovereignty, in accordance with the Taif Agreement and the implementation of U.N. resolution 1701." During her visit to Lebanon last weekend, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus reiterated Washington's position that the disarmament of Hezbollah should take place "as soon as possible," without imposing a timetable.