In a recent statement, Hezbollah has labeled the Lebanese government’s proposal for arms control as a significant misstep, calling it an act of defiance against the group’s autonomy.
Hezbollah Condemns Lebanon's Arms Control Initiative as "A Grave Sin"

Hezbollah Condemns Lebanon's Arms Control Initiative as "A Grave Sin"
Hezbollah rejects Lebanese government's move to regulate arms supply, signaling tensions within the country.
Hezbollah, the prominent Shia militant organization in Lebanon, has responded defiantly to the government's initiative aimed at establishing a state-controlled arms monopoly. Characterizing the decision as a "grave sin," Hezbollah's leadership announced they would act as if the decree from the Lebanese cabinet, which instructs the military to manage all weapons within the country, does not exist. The group's statement was issued on Wednesday amidst increasing international calls for disarmament.
The Lebanese administration, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has aimed to consolidate arms under state control, responding to long-standing demands from the United States and local political opponents. The cabinet's request for the military to outline a plan for this state monopoly indicates a significant shift in Lebanon's stance towards Hezbollah, particularly given the group's previous military engagements and its ongoing arsenal.
Despite the pressures, Hezbollah remains resolute, asserting that the government's decision is a result of external "diktats" from the U.S. The group’s leadership has also expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the nation’s security framework but insists that it will not discuss arms disarmament while Israeli military actions persist.
In a recent televised address, Hezbollah’s second-in-command Naim Qassem asserted that discussions about their military capabilities are off the table as long as Israel continues its operations in Lebanon. He referenced ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military presence, which the group perceives as a violation of previous ceasefire agreements.
Although Hezbollah has been significantly weakened following conflicts, including a recent war with Israel, it continues to maintain a substantial following among Lebanon's Shia community. The tension surrounding the arms control proposal highlights the precarious balance in Lebanese society, where the memories of civil conflict still loom large and any initiative involving disarmament could escalate internal disputes.