Lebanon’s Cabinet on Friday endorsed an army-drafted plan to place all weapons under the authority of the State, even as ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and its Shiite ally Amal walked out in protest.

Army Commander Gen. Rodolf Haykal presented the disarmament plan during the session, outlining a phased strategy that would remain confidential. The Cabinet agreed to keep the details under wraps but requested monthly progress reports from the military.

Haykal highlighted constraints to the plan’s execution, saying that halting Israeli airstrikes was the first step toward creating conditions for success.

Information Minister Paul Morcos said the army would begin implementing the plan “within the limits of its available logistical and human resources.”

“The army will act within the framework set during the August 5 government session and retain operational discretion,” Morcos told reporters. “Our priority remains reconstruction, halting Israeli aggression, recovering the captives, and ensuring that arms are held solely by the State. In this sense, we have not deviated from our course.”

But the meeting underscored deep divisions within Lebanon’s ruling coalition. As Haykal entered the room, Hezbollah ministers, their Amal allies, and independent Shiite minister Fadi Makki walked out. The same ministers had staged a walkout last month when the Cabinet commissioned the army to draw up the disarmament plan.

Hezbollah has long rejected demands to surrender its arsenal. The group insists that disarmament will only be on the table once Israel withdraws from five disputed border hills and ends what Hezbollah describes as near-daily airstrikes inside Lebanese territory.

An official close to Hezbollah, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with the group’s rules, said Friday’s walkout was a deliberate signal.

“We consider that this plan comes out of an illegal decision,” the official said. “We will not debate a matter that is built on a basis that we do not recognize as legal.”