Lebanon entertains talks on disarming Hezbollah militia group

In a development that could escalate regional tensions, the Lebanese government is discussing a plan to disarm Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, according to reports from AFP based in Beirut. The army was reportedly ordered to draw up this plan under heavy US pressure, with the aim of disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year.

The discussions took place during a meeting of the Lebanese Cabinet, where five ministers, including representatives of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, left in protest. Fadi Makki, the only Shiite minister not affiliated with Hezbollah or Amal, stated that there are "no details yet" on the army's plan.

Hezbollah opposes the move to disarm, with leader Naim Qassem stating that "if it is imposed on us, we will face it." In response to the potential disarmament, Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc has called on Lebanese authorities to reverse the decision.

The discussions about the army plan to disarm Hezbollah come in response to fears that Israel would intensify its strikes. Over the past two days, Israeli airstrikes have occurred in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least five fatalities, as reported by Lebanon's Ministry of Health and the state-run National News Agency.

Amid these intensified airstrikes, yesterday's session was held in a tense atmosphere. Speaker of parliament and head of the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement, Nabih Berri, called for discussions to be "a calm and consensual dialogue."

In a show of support, posters depicting Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun were put up in the streets of Beirut with the caption: "We are all with you. One army, one arsenal, one state. A new era for Lebanon."

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to maintain stability in the region. The AFP will continue to monitor the developments closely.