The decision to collect Hezbollah's weapons in Lebanon pleased the US

The Council of Ministers convened in Lebanon this evening and approved the decision to confiscate the weapons of all armed groups in the country, including Hezbollah, and to place the armed forces under a state monopoly. This decision has resonated strongly with the international community.

Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria , described the decision as "historic and courageous" in a statement released on his X account. Barrack congratulated Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for their decision.

Barrack stated that the decision was a “historic, bold and correct” step towards the full implementation of the Armistice Agreement signed with Israel in November 2024, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement.

In his statement, he said, "This week's Council of Ministers decisions have finally brought the 'One Nation, One Army' solution to life for Lebanon. We stand with the Lebanese people."

In another X post, Barrack wrote, “Promises were kept,” referencing US President Donald Trump’s words, “My administration is ready to help Lebanon build a future of economic development and peace with its neighbors… There is a new chance for a future in Lebanon free from the clutches of Hezbollah terrorists.”

He also recalled the statement of US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, who stated that "their goal in Lebanon is to create a strong Lebanese state that can combat and disarm Hezbollah."

The Council of Ministers, which convened on August 5th with the agenda of the state monopoly on weapons, tasked the army with preparing a plan to collect weapons by the end of the year.

Hezbollah reacted strongly to the decision. Hezbollah claimed that the decision by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government would "deprive Lebanon of a weapon of resistance against Israel," and that this step represented a "big mistake."

In a statement following the meeting, Information Minister Paul Markus stated that the government's decision aimed to ensure stability in the country, establish state authority, and rebuild. Markus said, "We have agreed to end the armed presence throughout the territory, including Hezbollah, and to deploy the army at the border."

On June 19, US Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack presented a proposal to the Beirut administration that set the priority goal of gathering all weapons in the country under state control only.

On July 29, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that talks would be held with the aim of "establishing the state's sovereignty over all the territory of the country with only its own forces."

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qasim, in his statement on July 30, argued that laying down arms was an internal matter for Lebanon and stated that Hezbollah would not lay down arms for Israel.