The Lebanese army has finalized a plan to bring all weapons under State control by the end of this year, fulfilling a mandate issued by the cabinet last month, but political divisions threaten to stall its implementation.

Army Commander General Rodolf Haykal is expected to present the plan to ministers on Friday. The blueprint, drawn up more than two weeks ago, sets out stages and deadlines for the transfer of arms, particularly in southern Lebanon, but remains classified under strict military secrecy.

The government asked the army on August 5 to prepare a roadmap for disarmament, but sources cautioned that any delay in cabinet approval would push back the timeline. Some officials said deadlines might ultimately be scrapped altogether to “ease tensions within the Shiite community.”

According to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the plan envisions cooperation with Hezbollah to ensure smooth implementation, especially south of the Litani River where the group is entrenched. Military officials stress the proposal is designed for execution, not negotiation, and includes alternative scenarios to secure success.

“This is ultimately a political decision, not just a military one,” a senior source said. “Without a reciprocal step from Israel, the plan could remain ready but suspended.”

For now, military coordination between the army and Hezbollah remains limited to the south, while political oversight of the disarmament process lies with the presidency. In a recent meeting with senior officers, General Haykal warned the army was entering “a sensitive phase” requiring critical missions but pledged to maintain civil peace and stability.

Retired Brigadier General Georges Nader said a phased rollout was essential.

“Implementation should start south of the Litani under the ceasefire agreement, then gradually extend across Lebanon with deadlines for each stage,” he told Asharq al-Awsat. “The plan assumes Hezbollah’s approval and intelligence on the location of weapons, which would make it easier to enforce.”