Overview

• President Joseph Aoun declared that all armed groups, including Hezbollah, must turn over their weapons to the Lebanese Army.
• The Council of Ministers will convene next week to agree on a detailed timeline for disarmament and weapons transfer.
• Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem denounced the move as serving Israeli interests and accused a US envoy of using intimidation.
• Hours after Aoun’s announcement, Israeli forces struck Hezbollah production and storage sites in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
• Lebanese officials say formalizing the disarmament plan is key to satisfying US and regional pressure and unlocking vital economic aid.