Lebanon’s cabinet to discuss Hezbollah disarmament as US ups pressure
Lebanon is under growing US pressure to issue a formal decision on the disarmament of Hezbollah as soon as possible, with US Ambassador to Lebanon nominee Michel Issa, who is of Lebanese origin, saying the issue is a "necessity.”
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s cabinet will meet next Tuesday to discuss efforts to extend the state’s monopoly over weapons, as the United States increases pressure on Lebanese officials to expedite the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
What happened: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's office said in a statement on Tuesday that the upcoming session will continue discussions that began in April, focusing on the implementation of the ministerial statement — a document outlining the goals and priorities of the new government — specifically the item related to extending state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
The ministers will also discuss the ceasefire that ended the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel last November and the ongoing Israeli violations, according to the statement.
Why it matters: The announcement comes as Washington is reportedly pushing Beirut to swiftly endorse a process committing to removing Hezbollah’s weapons before negotiations on an end to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon can resume.
