logo
Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm

Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm

The National6 hours ago
Hezbollah is reviewing a US proposal urging the group to disarm within a few months, Lebanese sources told The National before a visit by US envoy Thomas Barrack on Monday.
The Lebanese group, which is under mounting US pressure and daily Israeli strikes, is internally divided over whether to scale back its arsenal, an informed source close to the matter told The National. The "carrot and stick" US plan could bring reconstruction funds and an end to Israel 's attacks.
The increased US pressure on Hezbollah comes amid a major political shift in the Middle East, which has resulted in Iran 's proxies being significantly weakened since the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel's devastating war on Gaza prompted many of these proxies to launch their own attacks against Israel.
On October 8, 2023, in support of its ally, Hamas, Hezbollah initiated tit-for-tat exchanges along the Lebanon-Israel border, which Israel later escalated into a full-scale war. The conflict ended in November, leaving Hezbollah, once Iran's most prized asset, significantly weakened, with much of its arsenal destroyed and parts of its leadership decimated. Hezbollah's disarmament, once considered a political taboo, is now on the table.
In June, Mr Barrack, the US special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, sent a roadmap to Lebanese authorities calling on Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons across the country within a few months, in exchange for financial support and a halt of continuing Israeli military operations.
"Lebanon's hope awakens!!! The opportunity is now. This is a historic moment to supersede the strained confessionalism of the past," M Barrack wrote on X ahead of his visit.
Hezbollah has been holding clandestine talks to decide on its future, Reuters reported on Friday. Still, observers have raised concerns about the US pressure tactics, stressing that Hezbollah's weapons remain a highly sensitive issue in a deeply fractured country, where the group continues to enjoy broad popular support.
'Carrot and stick'
Mr Barrack's roadmap calls for a rapid disarmament of the group in return for the release of much-needed reconstruction funds for the war-ravaged country. It also calls for Israel's withdrawal from five occupied border points it seized in October during its aerial campaign in Lebanon, and a halt to Israeli military operations, according to the source.
Mr Barrack described this approach to disarming Hezbollah as 'a carrot and a stick' in an interview with The New York Times.
Under the terms of the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the US and France, all armed groups in Lebanon must give up their weapons, starting from the south of the Litani River, which lies 30km from the Lebanon-Israel border. In return, Israel must withdraw from the areas in south Lebanon it seized during the war and halt its violations of Lebanese airspace.
Lebanese authorities said they have dismantled almost all of Hezbollah's infrastructure near the border with Israel since the ceasefire. But despite this progress, Israel has continued to carry out air strikes, saying it is targeting Hezbollah and accusing the group of violating the truce, which Hezbollah denies.
Lebanese authorities say Israel has violated the truce more than 3,000 times. Israeli bombardments since the ceasefire have killed least 71 civilians, according to the UN.
The US-backed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has pledged to establish a state monopoly on weapons, while emphasising that this should be achieved through dialogue with Hezbollah, not by force. Hezbollah retains strong support within parts of the Shiite community, many of whom rely heavily on its social services in the absence of a functioning state.
On Sunday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group was ready for peace and dialogue on the one hand, but "confrontation" on the other should such circumstances arise. "We are a people who do not submit, we will not give up our rights and dignity," he stated.
Mr Qassem said the group remained steadfast, despite the threat from Israel and others. "This threat will not make us accept surrender," he said. 'How can we confront Israel when it attacks us if we didn't have them?" he asked, in reference to the pressure for the group to hand over its weapons.
"Who is preventing Israel from entering villages and landing and killing young people, women and children inside their homes unless there is a resistance with certain capabilities capable of minimal defense?'
Observers have cautioned that dismantling the group without considering local dynamics could further destabilise Lebanon. But 'for Washington, the internal complexities Lebanon faces in attempting to disarm Hezbollah are secondary; the focus is on safeguarding Israel', the source said.
Mr Barrack's stance aligns with that of Morgan Ortagus, the former official who oversaw the Trump administration's Lebanon portfolio and is known for her pro-Israel position. 'The US's primary concern is state monopoly on weapons and, above all, the security of Israel,' the source added.
The position is motivated by a desire to avoid a repeat of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for the disarmament of the group. However, Hezbollah began rebuilding its arsenal soon after. 'It still haunts Israelis,' the source said.
Today, the situation is drastically different. Hezbollah is grappling with acute financial strain, a decimated chain of command, and severed supply routes following the ousting of its ally Bashar Al Assad in Syria, all amid broader regional shifts in the balance of power.
Western diplomats have previously told The National that the intense pressure placed on the new Lebanese government, embraced by international powers, and marked by a significant decline in Hezbollah's political influence could jeopardise its stability.
The US pressure tactics could also backfire, the source warned. 'There's a risk Hezbollah could feel cornered and respond defensively,' the source said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Door is finally open': Cameras roll again in Syria as sanctions lift after a decade
'Door is finally open': Cameras roll again in Syria as sanctions lift after a decade

The National

timean hour ago

  • The National

'Door is finally open': Cameras roll again in Syria as sanctions lift after a decade

For more than a decade, Syria's television industry operated under the weight of crippling sanctions, political isolation and dwindling resources. What was once a regional powerhouse of drama – especially during the lucrative Ramadan season – faded as producers struggled with blocked funding channels, severed international ties and a shrinking market for distribution. In a significant development reflecting Syria's evolving economic situation, the country's new leadership has finalised an agreement with Qatari company Al Maha International to construct a media and entertainment complex on the outskirts of Damascus. This deal, celebrated as a key element of Syria's post-sanctions, comes on the heels of US President Donald Trump's recent decision to remove long-standing sanctions on the war-affected nation. The focal point of the Qatari agreement is the City of Damascus Gate, an ambitious mega-project designed to establish Syria as a regional leader in film, television and tourism. Planned as a production city that combines cultural richness with modern efficiency, the complex will cover nearly two million square meters across the Damascus governorate. It is anticipated that the site will become a regional centre for Arab television networks, film producers and media firms looking for an affordable yet culturally significant filming venue. The initiative is projected to generate more than 4,000 permanent jobs and an additional 9,000 seasonal positions, providing a crucial economic boost to the local labour market and a possible route to rejuvenating Syria's once-vibrant creative sectors. This announcement arrives amid a surge of foreign interest in Syria's previously stagnant industries, especially in tourism, real estate and entertainment. The lifting of US sanctions may mark a turning point for Syria's constrained television industry. For leading showrunners and industry veterans like Ahmad Alshiekh, who has been bringing some of the country's best productions in difficult times, it feels less like a diplomatic gesture and more like an existential reset. 'The lifting of US sanctions is not just symbolic, it's a potential reset button for the entire Syrian film and television ecosystem,' Shiekh tells The National. 'For over a decade, the industry operated under tremendous constraints, cut off from global resources, partnerships and even basic tools of the trade. Now, for the first time in years, there's space to rebuild with proper structure, transparency and international collaboration. It won't happen overnight, but the door is finally open.' The effects, he says, won't be limited to economic logistics. The most immediate change is psychological. 'Once the fear of legal and financial complications fades, doors naturally open,' Shiekh explains. 'I expect regional distributors, broadcasters, and even advertisers to re-engage first. Production will follow, but not just in quantity, in quality.' That quality, long praised in Syrian drama for its emotional depth and sharp social commentary, has suffered in recent years. Yet the foundation remains. Shiekh believes the industry's core strengths – strong narratives and culturally grounded storytelling – position it for a powerful return, especially if professional standards can be restored and co-productions with regional and international partners flourish. 'The real opportunity lies in restoring professional standards, improving production value, and building co-productions with trusted partners inside and outside the region,' he says. 'As for funding, it's never just about access, it's about confidence, and that will take time to rebuild. But this is the first real step.' The goal is not just recovery, it's global relevance. Shiekh is confident that, with the right foundations in place, Syrian series can compete internationally not as underdog curiosities, but as compelling, high-quality productions. 'The potential is undeniable,' he says. 'Syrian drama has always had a unique voice in the Arab world, and international audiences are more receptive than ever to authentic, culturally rich storytelling. But let's be realistic – growth requires more than the lifting of constraints. It takes vision, infrastructure, professional standards and smart partnerships.' That international vision may not be so far off. Streaming giants like Netflix and regional platforms like Shahid have already expanded their Arabic content portfolios in recent years. With sanctions out of the way, Shiekh suggests that conversations with major platforms are quietly already under way. 'Platforms like Netflix and Shahid are constantly searching for fresh, authentic narratives,' he says. 'Syrian content has always delivered on depth and drama, but until now, the logistical and legal complexities kept the big players hesitant. With those barriers easing, I believe we'll see Syrian stories finding their place, not just as niche titles, but as part of mainstream Arab and global line-ups.' One of the clearest markers for a Syrian television revival will be next year's Ramadan season. Often dubbed 'TV's Super Bowl' in the Arab world, it's historically been a defining showcase for Syrian drama. Shiekh believes 2026 could mark a comeback, if the industry steps up. 'Ramadan has always been the stage where Syrian drama made its mark, not just in the region, but across the Arab world,' he says. 'But the reality is, for the past decade, that golden period was dimmed by logistical, financial, and political obstacles. Now, with restrictions easing, we have the opportunity, not the guarantee, to reclaim that position. 'But success won't come from nostalgia alone. It will depend on whether we as an industry can deliver the kind of high-quality, relevant and technically strong productions that audiences expect today. If we get that right – and I believe many of us are ready – the 2026 Ramadan season could mark the true comeback of Syrian drama on screens across the region.' For award-winning Syrian-Palestinian director Anas Zawahri, the lifting of US sanctions on Syria is a potential rebirth of an industry that has long struggled to survive under isolation. 'The lifting of sanctions marks a real turning point for Syrian television and film,' Zawahri tells The National. 'For over a decade, we've been creatively and financially paralysed. Sanctions made it nearly impossible to collaborate with institutions abroad or to access even the most basic forms of funding and support. We were working in a vacuum.' Zawahri, who was born in 1987 and resides in Damascus, is part of a new wave of Syrian creatives who have persisted despite those constraints. His award-winning documentary, My Memory is Full of Ghosts, was produced independently and went on to receive international acclaim. The film chronicles the shattered lives of Homs residents who returned to find their city reduced to rubble, haunted by war, displacement, and silence. It won the Anhar Award for Best Human Rights Film at the 2024 Karama Human Rights Festival in Jordan and was screened widely across the Arab world and Europe. 'That film came from a place of truth, of loss, of memory and of confrontation. We told stories about arrests, torture, and displacement at a time when even speaking about those things was dangerous,' he recalls. 'There was no support. No structure. We were completely on our own.' Now, with sanctions lifted, Zawahri sees new opportunity on the horizon – not just for himself, but for the industry as a whole. 'We're already seeing the change. Investors are coming in. Producers who were once hesitant worried about reputational or legal risks are re-engaging. Syria is fertile ground for storytelling, and it's cheaper to operate here than in Lebanon or the Gulf. The potential is massive.' While he admits that the revival of Syrian cinema will take time, Zawahri says the television industry is poised for immediate growth. 'Television is the heart of Syrian culture. We're a series-driven country. Syrian dramas have long held a regional reputation. Now, with fewer restrictions, we can begin to tell more daring stories, stories about the brutality of the past decade, the revolution, the regime's violence – subjects that were once completely taboo. 'This moment offers a real chance to build something new. But we need support: funding, festivals, platforms to promote our work. Syrian drama is trending again, not just in the region, but globally. The next few years could define a generation of new creators.' For Zawahri, who identifies as a Syrian-Palestinian refugee and self-taught filmmaker, the end of the sanctions era is a rare moment of possibility, one that he hopes will not be wasted. 'We've paid the price. We've waited in silence. Now it's time to create again and to be heard.'

Gaza ceasefire negotiations and Hezbollah faces pressure
Gaza ceasefire negotiations and Hezbollah faces pressure

The National

time2 hours ago

  • The National

Gaza ceasefire negotiations and Hezbollah faces pressure

Parties are back at the negotiating table to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah is reviewing a US proposal urging the group to disarm within a few months. Ashura has been marked in Lebanon for the first time since Hezbollah lost much of its power. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Crucial Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Doha ahead of Netanyahu's US visit Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm Lebanon's Shiite Muslims mark Ashura amid calls for Hezbollah to disarm and security threats This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza
Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza

The National

time2 hours ago

  • The National

Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza

Brics leaders condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip, urging 'just and lasting' solutions to conflicts across the Middle East. In a joint statement released early on Monday morning, leaders gathered in Brazil agreed to denounce military strikes against Iran, a Brics member, since June 13, when Israel began attacks that culminated with US airstrikes nine days later. The strikes 'constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,' according to the declaration. The 10-member bloc of emerging-market nations also expressed 'grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory' — citing Israeli attacks and the obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, something Israel denies — while calling for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, along with the release of all hostages. The language is part of a broader call for global multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to promote peaceful resolutions to ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. While it doesn't single out the US, it is likely to be seen as an unwelcome intervention in Israeli affairs as Netanyahu prepares to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, Bloomberg reported. 'South Africa remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating peace and security situation in the Middle East,' President Cyril Ramaphosa told fellow leaders during his opening statement Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. 'The recent attacks by Israel and the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran raise serious concerns of international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of civilians.' Defence spending and tariffs Brics leaders additionally 'express alarm' at the current trend of 'a critical increase in global military spending.' That's another clash with Trump's demand that Nato countries raise defence spending to 5 per cent of gross domestic product, a request that was met at last month's summit of alliance members in The Hague with a particular focus on facing down aggression by Russia, a founding Brics member. Brics leaders also expressed 'serious concerns' about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,' again without mentioning the US. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is hosting the two-day summit, opened Sunday's session by reiterating the group's longstanding calls to reform the Security Council to make it more representative of the Global South. The Brics bloc, named for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, recently expanded to add Indonesia, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Egypt as members, an effort to increase its clout in global affairs long dominated by Washington and the West. 'Brics is increasingly shaping global debates on development, multipolar governance and security matters,' Mr Ramaphosa said in his remarks. 'We must continue to advocate for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure sustainable and lasting peace.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store