As the "Deadline" for Hezbollah's Weapons Approaches.. A Potential Escalation Looms Over Lebanon

SadaNews: Lebanon enters a period of uncertainty as the year 2025 comes to an end, amidst the possibility of renewed escalation, as the deadline for the disarmament of Hezbollah ends on Wednesday.

Following pressure from the United States and Israel, the Lebanese government agreed to complete the major initial phase of disarmament by the end of the year, but tangible steps in this direction have yet to be seen.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem described these plans in a televised speech last Sunday as a "disarmament project" by the United States and Israel.

Qassem emphasized that "the Lebanese state is not responsible for acting as a policeman for the Israeli enemy."

He called for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of prisoners.

Hezbollah itself asserts that it has never agreed to any timeline for disarmament, considering Israel's withdrawal from the country a prerequisite for any further cooperation.

Hezbollah and Israel launched parallel wars following the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023, a conflict that significantly weakened Hezbollah.

Although a ceasefire signed in November 2024 between Israel, Lebanon, and five mediating countries, including the United States, remains in effect, the Israeli army continues to violate it and carry out near-daily attacks in Lebanon.