After five hours of deliberation, the Lebanese Cabinet failed to reach a decision to restrict weapons exclusively to the Lebanese state by tasking the army with drafting an operational plan. Meanwhile, Hezbollah escalated its stance through its Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, who reiterated the group’s refusal to surrender its weapons. He also rejected what he described as “American threats and Israeli aggression.”

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed that the Cabinet had assigned the army to prepare a plan to consolidate arms under state control, with a deadline set for the end of the year. The plan is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by August 31. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to national security and border defense—a message intended to reassure Hezbollah.

However, a notable development during the session was the withdrawal of Hezbollah ministers Rakan Nasreddine and Tamara Al-Zein. Their departure signaled a sharp escalation, aligning Hezbollah’s position with Qassem’s remarks and marking a reversal from the party’s earlier support for the government and its vote of confidence in Parliament.