Lebanese Justice Minister Issues Stark Warning to Hezbollah: Disarm or Risk Lebanon’s Future

 

Beirut, Lebanon – In a bold and unprecedented statement, Lebanese Justice Minister Adil Nassar has publicly called out Hezbollah, warning that the militant group’s refusal to disarm could lead Lebanon into a catastrophic spiral. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Nassar emphasized that the government will not stand idly by if Hezbollah persists in what he described as a “path of suicide” that endangers the nation and its people.

“If Hezbollah chooses the path of suicide by refusing to disarm, we won’t allow it to take Lebanon and its people down with it,” Nassar declared, underscoring the urgency of the situation. His remarks come at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is grappling with a fragile ceasefire with Israel, ongoing economic turmoil, and mounting international pressure to enforce state sovereignty over all armed groups within its borders.

Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militia and political force, has long maintained an arsenal of weapons independent of the Lebanese state, a point of contention both domestically and internationally. The group’s military strength, which rivals that of the Lebanese army, has been a cornerstone of its influence but also a source of division in a country already strained by sectarian tensions and external conflicts.

Nassar’s statement reflects growing frustration within Lebanon’s government and among segments of its population over Hezbollah’s refusal to comply with calls for disarmament, particularly in light of recent escalations along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The minister highlighted the risks of Hezbollah’s actions, warning that the group’s insistence on retaining illegal arms could lead to severe consequences, including further isolation from the international community, economic collapse, and heightened internal instability.

The Justice Minister’s comments also signal a broader push by some Lebanese officials to assert state authority and address the delicate balance of power in a country where Hezbollah wields significant influence. The group, backed by Iran, has been a key player in Lebanon’s political and military landscape, often acting as a state within a state. Its involvement in regional conflicts, including support for Syrian forces and clashes with Israel, has drawn both admiration and criticism at home.

Lebanon’s fragile ceasefire with Israel, brokered after months of cross-border hostilities, hangs in the balance as Hezbollah’s arsenal remains a sticking point in negotiations. International actors, including the United Nations and Western governments, have repeatedly called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that only the Lebanese army should hold arms in southern Lebanon. Nassar’s remarks suggest a growing willingness within the government to confront this issue head-on, even at the risk of domestic backlash.

The minister did not outline specific measures the government might take to enforce disarmament but stressed that Lebanon’s survival as a sovereign state depends on unity and adherence to the rule of law. “The Lebanese people deserve a future free from the shadow of militias and endless conflict,” he said, calling for national dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Hezbollah has yet to respond officially to Nassar’s statements, but the group has historically defended its weapons as necessary for defending Lebanon against external threats, particularly from Israel. The militia’s supporters argue that its arsenal has been a deterrent against aggression, while critics contend it undermines the state’s authority and fuels sectarian divisions.

As Lebanon navigates this precarious moment, Nassar’s warning underscores the high stakes of the disarmament debate. With the country facing economic ruin, political gridlock, and the specter of renewed conflict, the government’s next steps—and Hezbollah’s response—will likely shape Lebanon’s path forward. For now, the nation watches anxiously as tensions simmer and the call for unity grows louder.