Hezbollah Insists on Refusing Disarmament.. Lebanon Warns of Complications in the Situation

Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath reported, citing informed sources, that Hezbollah informed the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, of its refusal to hand over its weapons, even if Israel withdraws from Lebanese territories, threatening a clash if the Lebanese state attempts to forcibly disarm it.

The sources pointed to anger within Lebanese state institutions towards the party's position, describing it as a "missed opportunity", while Lebanese leaders show a serious commitment to implementing international commitments to confine weapons to the Lebanese army.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun's statement was clear, affirming that "implementing the decision to confine weapons is a final decision that is not subject to reversal", emphasizing that implementation will be done wisely to ensure national unity and not to disrupt civil peace.

US envoy Thomas Brak expressed understanding of the complexities, saying after meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi: "I understand the difficulties in Lebanon, and I hope communication between its leaders continues." He added: "It is up to the Lebanese state to decide its fate, and we are ready to help," stressing the importance of "confining weapons to the state while exercising patience."

Brak's recent visit to Beirut _the third in two months_ aimed to receive the official response to US proposals regarding weapon confinement, which _according to official sources_ did not include any timeline or practical steps for implementation.

Sources revealed that Lebanon asked Washington to pressure Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon as a preliminary step to facilitate negotiations with Hezbollah, while the US administration insists on setting a timeline for disarmament before the end of the year.

It is worth mentioning that President Aoun handed Brak a "comprehensive memorandum" reflecting Lebanon's commitment to previous agreements, including the current government's statement and the agreement to cease hostilities with Israel on November 27 last year.

Brak affirmed that Washington "cannot compel Israel to take any step" and that disarming Hezbollah is an "internal issue", but they are ready to support Lebanon. On the other hand, observers believe that the party's obstinacy may hinder Lebanon's return to the Arab sphere, despite the state's assurance that this "will not be affected by Hezbollah's stubbornness."

Brak presented security proposals for border demarcation in June last year and received responses from Lebanese officials in July, with no tangible progress so far.