Lebanese army finalises plan to bring weapons under state control

The Lebanese Army has completed a detailed plan to place all weapons under state authority by the end of the year, a strategy mandated by the Cabinet on August 5.

The proposal, finalised more than two weeks ago, is set to be presented on September 5 by Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, Caliber.Az reports citing Asharq Al-Awsat.

The plan has attracted significant domestic, regional, and international attention, though its contents have been closely guarded. Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the strategy is divided into stages, each with its own deadline. While the Cabinet originally called for completion of the disarmament process by year’s end, delays in approving or launching the plan could affect this timeline.

Senior political figures have not ruled out dropping deadlines altogether to ease “growing tensions within the Shiite community.” Sources suggested that the Cabinet session on September 5 could echo the standoffs of August 5 and 7, when ministers from the Shiite bloc refused to discuss the plan, citing continued Israeli attacks and occupation of Lebanese territory. In such a scenario, ministers could withdraw, allowing the government to adopt the plan in their absence.

Designed for implementation

Officials said the army’s proposal assumes coordination with Hezbollah to ensure smooth execution, similar to arrangements south of the Litani River. “This does not mean conceding to the status quo,” they stressed, noting the plan was drafted with the intention of being carried out and incorporates multiple scenarios to secure its success. It is built on the premise that Lebanon’s sole enemy is Israel.

Those involved acknowledge that the final decision is political rather than military, without Israel’s engagement in the “step-for-step” approach outlined in the US proposal – whose objectives Lebanon has accepted – the plan risks remaining “ready but on hold” until Tel Aviv reciprocates.

Counting on US Mediation

Beirut continues to rely on US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus to secure Israeli concessions, which would facilitate Hezbollah’s cooperation with the army’s plan. Despite the American delegation’s hardline stance during its recent visit, Barrack later said he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give Lebanon “a chance, with some tolerance and understanding.”

Political coordination

At present, direct coordination between the army and Hezbollah is limited to the area south of the Litani, where most operational tasks have been completed. Hezbollah was not directly involved in drafting the plan; the political leadership, particularly the presidency, has been handling this track, which has recently been reactivated.

At a special meeting with senior officers, Haykal said the army is “entering a delicate phase, entrusted with sensitive missions,” and pledged to take the necessary steps to ensure success while preserving civil peace and domestic stability.

A gradual approach

Retired Brigadier General George Nader told Asharq Al-Awsat that the plan is intended for gradual implementation, starting south of the Litani, as stipulated in the ceasefire resolution, and extending across all Lebanese territory. “Each phase comes with its own timetable, making the plan both geographically and temporally structured,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev