Lebanon's ban on Hezbollah activities': bold but difficult to implement

"Implementation of the government's decision to disarm Hezbollah was more plausible today than in previous years because the decision reflects unusually broad national backing, including from within the Shia political sphere. Amal's vote in favour signals that support for consolidating arms under state authority is no longer framed purely as a sectarian or anti-resistance demand, but increasingly as a state-stabilisation necessity especially amid economic collapse and regional escalation."

"Implementation is going to be much more complicated. The army is not enthusiastic to enter into a fight with Hezbollah. It's good that the state has taken this decision, but it is not good that the army seems very reluctant to implement this decision."

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's cabinet announced a ban on Hezbollah's military and security activities, prompting Hezbollah to launch attacks on Israeli military facilities. Political analysts view the decision as potentially transformative for Lebanon's future, with broad national support including from Shia political groups like Amal, reflecting a shift toward state stabilization amid economic collapse and regional conflict. However, implementation remains problematic. While the decision enjoys unusual cross-sectional backing, the Lebanese army appears reluctant to enforce it against Hezbollah. Experts acknowledge the decision's symbolic importance for consolidating state authority but emphasize the practical difficulties in execution.

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