Lebanese Military Advances Disarmament of Non-State Groups

The Lebanese military announced on Thursday that it has successfully completed the first phase of its disarmament plan targeting non-state groups, particularly Hezbollah. This initiative involves a comprehensive deployment across southern Lebanon, aimed at establishing control and eliminating unauthorized weaponry in the region.

This move follows a ceasefire brokered by Washington, which ended hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024. While the military statement did not specifically name Hezbollah, it highlighted the urgency of disarming such groups. The development precedes a crucial meeting between President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, where the leaders are expected to discuss the next steps in the deployment and disarmament process. Both officials have emphasized disarming non-state groups as a key priority since taking office.

The Lebanese government has set a deadline of the end of 2025 to clear the area south of the Litani River of non-state weapons. Since the disarmament proposal was approved in September, the military has been actively dismantling tunnels, rocket-launching sites, and other military infrastructures. The military confirmed that it has made substantial progress, stating, “The army confirms that its plan to restrict weapons has entered an advanced stage, after achieving the goals of the first phase effectively and tangibly on the ground.”

Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. Israel continues to conduct airstrikes near the Lebanese border and maintains control over five strategic hilltops south of the Litani River, areas that the Lebanese military has yet to secure. The military’s statement noted that operations will continue to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels to prevent armed groups from rebuilding their capacities. Further details regarding the next stages of the disarmament plan are expected to be announced soon.

The next phase of the disarmament strategy will focus on regions between the Litani and the Awali River, including the port city of Sidon, although no specific timeline has been established for this segment. Regular discussions have been held involving Lebanese and Israeli officials, alongside representatives from the United States, France, and the United Nations peacekeeping forces known as UNIFIL, to monitor the situation following the ceasefire.

In recent months, the Lebanese military has been gradually increasing its presence across southern Lebanon, extending from the Litani River to the U.N.-demarcated “Blue Line” that separates Lebanon from Israel. The military has also begun confiscating weapons from armed Palestinian factions within refugee camps.

Israel has expressed concerns that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, suggesting that the Lebanese military’s efforts may not be sufficient to prevent further escalation. Lebanon, on the other hand, views Israel’s ongoing airstrikes and occupation of strategic positions as significant obstacles to its disarmament goals. The Lebanese government hopes that disarming Hezbollah and other armed groups will facilitate the influx of funds necessary for reconstruction efforts following the war in 2024.

Hezbollah maintains that it has been cooperative with the Lebanese army regarding disarmament in the south. However, the group has stated it will not consider disarming in other areas until Israel ceases its military actions and withdraws from Lebanese territory. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the October 7, 2023 attack led by Hamas, which triggered a broader war in Gaza. In response, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks into Israel, leading to retaliatory airstrikes.

The conflict intensified into a full-scale war by September 2024, resulting in significant losses for Hezbollah, including the deaths of many senior leaders and a severe weakening of its military strength. Despite these setbacks, the group retains substantial political influence, holding numerous seats in the Lebanese parliament and two cabinet positions.