Hezbollah Disarmament Deadline 2025: Lebanon on a High-Stakes Collision Course

The mandate from the capital is clear, but the barrels of the rifles remain pointed outward. As of December 31, 2025, the Hezbollah disarmament deadline 2025 set by the Lebanese government has arrived, yet the group shows no signs of compliance. Hezbollah has flatly rejected the decree, calling it a 'grave sin' and signaling a defiant stance that risks internal stability and further regional escalation.

The Failed First Phase of the Hezbollah Disarmament Deadline 2025

The disarmament plan, formulated in August in accordance with US proposals, envisioned a phased withdrawal of weapons starting from the Litani River, 28km from the Israeli border. However, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem dismissed the efforts as a foreign-imposed agenda. He argued that stripping the country of its defense while Israel continues daily air strikes and occupies border points serves only Israeli interests.

Internal Friction and Regional Pressure

The debate within Lebanon is deeply polarized. Opponents of Hezbollah assert that the group's arsenal provides no real deterrence and merely invites more strikes. They also question the legitimacy of an independent armed force that doesn't answer to the state. Conversely, supporters believe that without the 'resistance,' Israel would easily occupy southern Lebanon, citing the under-equipped nature of the national military.

The rhetoric from Washington and Israel further complicates the situation. President-elect Donald Trump recently met with Netanyahu and refused to rule out a renewed conflict, stating that 'we'll see what happens.' Forcing disarmament by the state could trigger a catastrophic civil war, as some within the military may refuse to fight their fellow citizens.