Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that all weapons in Lebanon must come under state control in 2025, signaling plans to disarm Hezbollah through dialogue, not conflict.

Axar.az reports that he emphasized avoiding civil war and said Hezbollah could potentially be integrated into the Lebanese army.

In response, Hezbollah—an Iran-backed group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and others—rejected the idea. Senior member Mahmoud Qamati warned that “any hand that reaches out to take [its weapons] will be cut off.”

Despite public defiance, some Hezbollah officials have shown willingness to discuss disarmament if Israel fully withdraws from disputed southern Lebanese territory and halts airstrikes. Under a 2024 truce, Hezbollah was required to withdraw north of the Litani River and cede military positions to the Lebanese army—a process that is reportedly underway.

The conflict with Israel, which began in October 2023, severely weakened Hezbollah, killing much of its leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, and reducing its military capabilities. Analysts believe disarmament is now more feasible than ever.