"It serves the interest of the Lebanese state and its official institutions, but it is not to the interest of Hezbollah."

Officials in both the Beirut government and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which wields enormous political influence in Lebanon, have long referred to cabinet statements since 2008 enshrining the right to "resistance" as de facto official approval for Hezbollah's arsenal.

Two Lebanese officials told Reuters they did not find the added language in the new deal cause for concern, and said the most important achievement was a halt to the war.

But diplomats said the wording could give Israel more leverage than after 2006 to prevent Hezbollah from re-arming or redeploying fighters or weapons.

"Lebanon either didn't have any other option, or they think they can outsmart it," one diplomat from the region said.

A senior Western diplomat said Israel had such an upper hand, following months of heavy strikes that eliminated much of Hezbollah's top leadership and displaced more than 1.2 million people, that it could effectively dictate terms.   

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah was asked by a reporter on Wednesday about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements that Israel retained military freedom of action and would strike Hezbollah if it violated the deal.

Fadlallah said the group would retain the right to defend itself if Israel attacked.