The Lebanese government is likely to discuss a plan to disarm Hezbollah, which the group fiercely rejects, saying it won't disarm until Israel exists. The Lebanese government are playing with the Israeli and the US governments.
Hezbollah reiterated its opposition to the move on Wednesday, saying that the Lebanese parliament should "reverse their... unpatriotic decision". Though the government has said that disarming Hezbollah is part of implementing the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended over a year of hostilities between the group and Israel.
Friday’s cabinet decision comes amid intensified Israeli actions in southern Lebanon over the two days, which killed as many as five people, said the Lebanese health Ministry. David Wood, senior Lebanon analyst at the International Crisis Group, said that "Israel is trying to send a message that only concrete action on disarmament, rather than pledges and words, will do the job."
Wood said Hezbollah may put "pressure on the Shiite ministers to resign from the government" or "try to organise mass protests". The Lebanese pro-Hezbollah media outlets said that Hezbollah and Amal ministers might refuse to discuss the army's plan on Friday.
Also Read: IDF hits Hezbollah installations in Beirut
Hezbollah was the most powerful political force in Lebanon before its most recent war with Israel, in which the group suffered catastrophic losses. The balance of power in Lebanon has since shifted with Hezbollah in its weak position after its ally in Syria, Bashar al-Assad, was removed from power.
The group's leader, Naim Qassem, accused Lebanon's government of handing the country to Israel by pushing for its disarmament. Qassem also said Hezbollah and Amal had postponed a previous call for protest to allow room for discussion and "to make adjustments before we reach a confrontation that no one wants".
The power struggle in Lebanon is real and could send the country into chaos like its neighbours.
Also Read: Hezbollah won't surrender till Israel exists: Qassem
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