Why Disarming Hezbollah Is More Than Just Taking Away Guns

Lebanon is in a difficult situation.
Israel's military is attacking empty communities in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, a Shia militia, started a war with Israel, following orders from Iran.
Lebanon's government, led by President Joseph Aoun, is under pressure.
Aoun's plan to disarm Hezbollah depends on convincing Shia women to support him.
Changing people's loyalty to Hezbollah is very hard.
A grandmother, Diaa Dia Skafi, attended a mass funeral for people killed by Israel.
Some of the dead were Hezbollah fighters, and others were civilians.
Skafi said the Lebanese army did not help when Israel attacked.
Skafi said only Hezbollah is helping them, and they are fighting for their land.
Hezbollah started a war with Israel on March 2.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on April 16, but Hezbollah did not endorse it.
Aoun had a small success by talking directly to Israel and asserting Lebanon's authority.
Progress is difficult because Israel continues to attack Lebanon.
Israel struck Beirut, targeting a Hezbollah commander.
The ceasefire depends on Lebanon's government standing up to Hezbollah.
Hezbollah was born during Lebanon's civil war and was funded by Iran.
Hezbollah is more than just a militia; it provides services to Shia communities.
The Lebanese government has struggled to take away Hezbollah's weapons.
A grandmother said you can't take away Hezbollah's weapons.
Skafi said Hezbollah's actions are in their interest and they have the right to fight.
The war between Lebanon and Israel is not really over.
Hezbollah and Israel continue to exchange fire, and Israel demolishes homes.
An analyst said Israel's actions will not lead to sustainable peace.
Some analysts blame Lebanese citizens for electing weak governments.
A professor said the Lebanese need to fix their own problems.
Aoun needs to confront Hezbollah directly, or the situation will get worse.
The government has declared that only the army should have weapons.
When Aoun became president, it seemed like he might be able to disarm Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's leadership had been weakened by Israeli attacks.
The overthrow of Syria's president and Iran's distraction helped Aoun.
Lebanon has a diverse population, with Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Shia Muslims.
Most Lebanese blame Hezbollah for the conflict.
An analyst said Hezbollah is in a difficult position and has lost allies.
Aoun's plan to demilitarize Hezbollah started well, but then stopped.
The government claimed progress in collecting Hezbollah's weapons, but it was not enough.
Since the attack on Iran, Berri has refused to support disarming Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's leader said they will not give up their weapons while Israel occupies Lebanon.
Israel refuses to end its occupation until Hezbollah disarms.
The government acknowledges the difficulty but is confident.
A minister said Hezbollah is harming the community it claims to protect.
The minister said Hezbollah caused the damage and could have avoided it.
The US, UK, and EU have given money to help Lebanon's military.
Canada supports Lebanon's goal to take control from militias.
What is needed to disarm Hezbollah is a difficult question.
Another deadline is approaching, with UNIFIL's peacekeeping mission expiring.
Lebanon's armed forces will take over border control, which will increase scrutiny.
Municipal leaders in southern Lebanon are frustrated with both Hezbollah and the government.
A mayor said they respect their army and want it to be equipped to defend them.
The mayor's community was heavily bombed by Israel.
If the army can defend them, there will be no need for resistance forces.
A Hezbollah spokesman said they have reconstituted their forces and are preparing for a long battle.
An analyst believes Hezbollah's grip on the public is weakening.
When asked how long it will take to disarm Hezbollah, an analyst said less than three years.
It's about changing people's mood and framing, and people will leave a sinking ship.