Lebanese Army Completes First Phase of Disarmament of Uncontrolled Groups in South

Lebanese Army Announces Completion of Disarmament Plan's First Phase

The Lebanese Army has declared that it has completed the first phase of its plan to bring all non-state weaponry in the south of the country under control, covering the area between the Litani River and the border with Israel. In a statement issued on Thursday, the army affirmed that it has established a state monopoly on weapons in the south in an "effective and tangible" manner, without specifically mentioning Hezbollah.

The army now controls the area located south of the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the border, "except for the territory and positions still occupied by Israel," the statement added. This announcement comes amid increasing pressure from the United States and Israel for Beirut to disarm Hezbollah, as Israel intensifies attacks in Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreed upon in 2024.

The Lebanese Army, which has set a self-imposed deadline until the end of 2025 to complete the first part of its multi-phase plan, stressed that more work is needed to clear the area of unexploded ordnance and tunnels. A Lebanese security source told Reuters that this statement signifies that no group will be able to launch attacks from southern Lebanon.

The army's commander, Rodolphe Haykal, is expected to update the government on Thursday afternoon about the progress made. The Lebanese government is anticipated to discuss moving to the second phase of the plan, which would involve disarming uncontrolled groups in a 40 km area between the Litani River and the Awali River.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the efforts of the Lebanese government and army but added that they are "far from sufficient." Israel, which has killed over 300 people in Lebanon since the ceasefire in November 2024, including at least 127 civilians, has previously stated that Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities "faster than the army can dismantle them." The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon stated that there is no "evidence" that Hezbollah's infrastructure has been rebuilt.

The Lebanese Army did not encounter opposition from Hezbollah during the first phase of the disarmament plan, but it is now reportedly "refusing to cooperate" with plans to move to the second phase, according to sources. A committee composed of representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel, and the UN is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire. However, this week, Israel conducted new attacks in southern Lebanon ahead of a meeting of the ceasefire committee.