Hezbollah disarmament plan sparks renewed protests in Beirut's southern suburbs

Sunday 10 August 2025 - 07:30

Tensions continue to rise in Lebanon following the government's recent decision to disarm Hezbollah and all armed factions by the end of the year. On Saturday evening, multiple motorbike convoys were seen navigating the streets of Beirut’s southern suburbs, expressing their rejection of the disarmament plan.

The convoys, each comprising several dozen motorcyclists, were reportedly organized by a group calling themselves the “Youth of the Southern Suburbs.” Participants, many waving Hezbollah and, less frequently, Amal flags, chanted slogans in support of the party. Videos shared online showed the demonstrators riding through areas such as Sainte Thérèse and the airport road, with some reaching the coastal route near the iconic Pigeon Rocks.

The protests were sparked by two key decisions made by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s cabinet earlier this week. On Tuesday, the government tasked the Lebanese Army with drafting a plan to implement the disarmament of non-state armed groups. Then on Thursday, the cabinet approved the objectives outlined in a roadmap proposed by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. The plan supports the implementation of a ceasefire agreement brokered in November 2024, which aimed to end over a year of violent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Despite the ceasefire, violations continue on both sides. Israel maintains control over five positions in southern Lebanon and carries out frequent strikes, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its military infrastructure south of the Litani River.

The “Barrack Plan” not only calls for full disarmament but also includes political reforms, increased support for the Lebanese Army, and border demarcation with both Syria and Israel.

On Friday evening, larger protests were also reported, resulting in the arrest of seven demonstrators, according to a military source. The Lebanese Army reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of expression, while also stressing the importance of maintaining civil peace and avoiding road blockades.