In a dramatic yet discreet shift, Hezbollah has reportedly begun handing over maps to the Lebanese Army that identify the locations of its military positions and weapons depots south of the Litani River. The move, carried out in complete secrecy, is being interpreted by some observers as a sign of weakness following a series of near-crushing blows to the group's operational capabilities. More importantly, it signals an internal reckoning: Hezbollah is fast running out of justifications for holding onto its arsenal, especially as Israeli strikes continue with little deterrence, effectively neutralizing the rationale for maintaining an armed resistance.

But there’s a larger story unfolding behind the scenes. According to diplomatic information obtained by kataeb.org, Hezbollah may be preparing for a full and final surrender of its weapons — not just in the south, but nationwide. This potential shift is reportedly tied to evolving regional dynamics, particularly the direction of negotiations between the United States and Iran. Among the key items on the negotiating table: the disarmament of Iranian-backed militias across Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. The success or failure of those talks could hinge, in part, on whether Hezbollah is willing to lay down its arms for good.

For now, however, the group appears to be stalling. Reports suggest Hezbollah intends to delay disarmament in areas north of the Litani River — including its strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley — as it seeks to leverage its remaining power for political gains. That maneuver could extend beyond Lebanon’s next parliamentary elections in 2026. The party’s greatest concern appears to be losing its grip on its core support base; a real and symbolic blow, especially after it has, in practice, lost both its weapons and its regional depth.

That’s the tightrope Hezbollah is walking as it is struggling to balance the unavoidable loss of its weapons with the looming threat of internal dissent. It’s not just about military power anymore; it’s about political survival. And the stakes for Lebanon are just as high.

If this is truly the beginning of Hezbollah’s disarmament — partial or full — it must be accompanied by a national push to bring all weapons under state authority. Anything less risks plunging Lebanon back into the abyss, sources familiar with the matter warned. Without such a shift, neither the long-awaited reforms nor the financial support required for reconstruction will materialize. 

That’s why this moment demands unity at the highest levels. President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri — Hezbollah’s closest ally and the official spokesperson of the Shiite Hezbollah-Amal duo — must rise to the occasion. Of the three, Berri perhaps best understands how little time Lebanon has left to resolve the issue of non-state arms.

This is an English adaptation of an Arabic article by Chady Hilani.