Lebanon takes a first step towards restoring its sovereignty
Last week, the Lebanese government has taken a historic move towards restoring the full power on its territory by committing to disarm all groups that have heavy weapons – especially Hezbollah.
For more than four decades, Hezbollah has made military and political authority in Lebanon, undermining the country’s independence and destabilizing the region. Now, for the first time in years, the Lebanese state is working to confirm its sovereignty and confirm control of the country – a step that cannot be conceived one year ago, when the militia’s grip on the country seemed to be unjust.
The destroyed Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon and Iran during the past year, followed by the loss of its most important ally in the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, a devastating blow to Hezbollah’s infrastructure and military messages. However, the group, which is still benefiting from Iran’s support, maintains some influence locally, despite its isolation. Until her weapons are placed, it still represents a threat to the country, and in fact, to stabilize the region.
The American envoy to Syria and the current ambassador of the United States in Turkey, Tom Barak, who was recently launched, after several rounds of talks in Beirut, a multi -stage plan to end the military escalation that has continued between Hezbollah and Israel since November 2024 has been signed by Israel and Lebanon.
The Prime Minister in Lebanon Nour Salam and President Joseph Aoun realized that without a decisive action to support the American proposal to dismantle Hezbollah once and forever, the Trump administration and its allies will reconsider the future diplomatic and financial support in the war -torn security. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry, who represents a large group of Shiites in Lebanon, also admitted the importance of this pivotal moment when the government made its bold decision on August 7 to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
The decree is the first step – the most difficult of the work is waiting. After its passage, the Hezbollah leadership pledged not to abandon their arms and threatened to return to military action. All this saying, that the risks are real, not only in the summary but in practice and practical terms. A few days after the announcement, six Lebanese army soldiers were killed while dismantling the Hezbollah bomb plant.
Lebanon must now estimate that it has what it loses if implementation finds it, and it cannot bear the costs of its obligations under this agreement. Through its obligations, it will guarantee the obligations of other countries concerned – including Israel, the United States, France, Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a historical opportunity for Lebanon to liberate it from the grip of NGOs and restore the state’s monopoly on weapons. But success will depend on all parties to honor their obligations.
Under the American plan, Israel will stop all air and sea military operations after the decree of the Lebanon government, ensuring that the government can start implementing the disarmament plan. It is expected that within 120 days, all militias will be neutralized and Israeli forces are withdrawn from Lebanese territory. The United States, France, Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in turn pledged to enhance the ability of the Lebanese armed forces to implement the agreement and protect the country’s sovereignty, as well as organizing an international economic conference to stimulate Lebanon’s recovery and rebuilding.
The United States and its allies must create mechanisms to impose the implementation of the agreement. Such censorship will be welcomed by the Lebanese people, who are eager to see an end to the cycle of violence and corruption. Washington can also send a strong indication of confidence by giving priority to financing the Lebanese armed forces to implement its mission – the assistance approved by Trump and Biden departments, as well as Congress – if Lebanon is to take decisive measures as it did last week.
France, Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are also encouraged to work alongside others in strengthening the Lebanese armed forces and thinking about progressing in the timetable of its proposed donor economic conference, if the parties fulfill the terms of the agreement on time.
By launching this process, Lebanese leaders sent a clear message to its citizens and to the world: they are committed to national unity, the rule of law and regional stability. The international community must stand with Lebanon at this turning point-to provide continuous diplomatic participation, enforcement, financial assistance and security support-to ensure a follow-up on both security obligations and reforms that enhance institutions and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
Peace between Lebanon and Israel is on hand, but only if all parties play their role.
Edward Gabriel is the former American ambassador to Morocco, 1997-2001, and president The American Labor Squad on Lebanon.
