Hezbollah and Amal Mobilize Mass Demonstration Against Government’s Disarmament Proposals

The labor offices of the two organizations have issued a call for Lebanese workers, union members, and producers to assemble on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. local time in Riad Al Solh Square, Beirut. This demonstration is a response to two recent government decisions that have sparked discontent.

In a coordinated announcement, the resistance factions declared that the demonstration aims to oppose the recent cabinet resolutions announced earlier this month. They argue that these measures conflict with Lebanon’s national interests and undermine the principle of coexistence.

The statement highlighted that the protest aims to uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty, affirm the legitimacy of armed resistance against Israel, and reject what it termed as “external pressures” on the Lebanese state.

The statement emphasized their determination to uphold the right to maintain their weapons, which have demonstrated effectiveness in countering adversaries, as well as the right to oppose Israeli aggression and occupation.

The organizers invoked the doctrines of the late Imam Musa al-Sadr, who characterized Israel as “absolute evil,” and cited Imam Khomeini, the late architect of the Islamic Revolution, who termed Israel as a “cancerous gland.”

They called upon workers to transform the rally into “a historic day in the annals of resistance,” symbolizing national unity and a stance against submission and surrender.

Earlier this month, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam directed the national military to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at consolidating the control of weapons under state authority, with the objective of finalizing this plan by the year’s end.

The initiative aims to disarm resistance groups in Lebanon, which have long served as a defense against foreign aggression, notably from Israel, through a US-supported plan.

Hezbollah has denounced the government’s decision, labeling the action as a “grave sin” and cautioning that the limitation of weapons may aid in furthering Israeli plans for expansion.

Reports indicate that Zionist forces continue to hold strategic positions in southern Lebanon, consistently conducting near-daily violations of the ceasefire agreement established in November 2024.

Israeli forces persist in holding their positions at five critical locations in southern Lebanon, including Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all located near the border.

According to the ceasefire agreement, Tel Aviv was obligated to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory. However, by maintaining its forces at five locations, Tel Aviv is in breach of both UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the conditions of the pact.