Hezbollah Supporters Protest Against Disarmament, Say Israel Must Withdraw

Supporters of the militant group Hezbollah gathered Monday night in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, to protest against the group’s disarmament ahead of a government meeting to discuss the matter, with the group insisting it will not disarm until Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory, Al Jazeera reported. 

The Iran-backed group was weakened by last year’s war with Israel, which wiped out most of its leadership, killed thousands of fighters, and displaced tens of thousands of supporters whose homes were destroyed. 

In July, Lebanon agreed to a US proposal to disarm Hezbollah: The proposal called for Hezbollah to fully disarm within four months in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from five occupied positions in southern Lebanon and an end to airstrikes. 

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting on the topic, Hezbollah emphasized that any disarmament talks must be preceded by Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and an end to hostilities, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). 

However, Lebanon’s political leadership is pressing ahead with the disarmament plan, even if it requires using force. 

Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani told NNA that the president has established a clear schedule for the disarmament process, adding that the Lebanese army has already seized control of hundreds of Hezbollah sites and weapons depots.  

Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon and the question of its disarmament have long drawn debate within the country. But now, there is a growing sense of urgency amid rising international pressure and escalating military activity by Israel, which continues to target Hezbollah despite a ceasefire reached in November 2024. 

Israel has repeatedly struck Lebanese targets, including Beirut.  

Also protesting in the country on Monday were the loved ones of those killed in a devastating port explosion five years ago in the capital, when more than 2,700 tonnes of fertilizer exploded, killing 218 people: Hundreds gathered to mark the anniversary of the blast to demand justice, with Lebanon’s president pledging to hold those responsible accountable, according to France 24.  

Judge Tarek Bitar resumed his investigation into the incident earlier this year, after the war between Israel and Hezbollah altered Lebanon’s political landscape and weakened the group, which had been leading a campaign to remove him from the case. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that the state was “committed to uncovering the whole truth, no matter the obstacles or how high the positions” involved.