The Lebanese army announced a significant milestone in its efforts to stabilize southern Lebanon by completing the first phase of disarming Hezbollah in the area between the Israeli border and the Litani River. This development marks the initial step of a broader national strategy intended to extend disarmament operations across the rest of Lebanon, though Hezbollah has yet to agree to surrender its weapons beyond the southern region. The army emphasized that it now has control over territory south of the Litani River, except for areas still occupied by Israel near the border, which remain points of tension. This operation follows the weakening of Hezbollah’s military capabilities after the intense conflict with Israel in November 2024, highlighting both the challenges and the potential for incremental stabilization in regions long affected by armed confrontations and militant entrenchment. Lebanese authorities framed the operation as a necessary measure to restore state authority, enforce national security, and ensure long-term civilian safety in previously contested zones.

Despite the formal truce agreement between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect for over a year, Israel continues to occupy five strategic positions near the Lebanese border, undermining the perception of a fully respected ceasefire. The Israeli military maintains that its presence and occasional raids are justified by concerns over Hezbollah rearming or fortifying positions, reflecting a persistent distrust between the two sides. From the Lebanese perspective, these incursions are violations of the ceasefire, often carried out under the pretext of security operations, exacerbating tensions and complicating disarmament efforts. Humanitarian impacts have been severe, with Lebanese health authorities reporting that nearly 700 air strikes since November 2024 have resulted in at least 340 deaths and over 940 injuries, demonstrating the ongoing human cost of the border conflict and the fragile nature of regional stability.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah is obligated to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in evacuated areas. The Lebanese army’s recent operation focused on ensuring that weapons, explosives, and fortified positions south of the river were neutralized or removed, while simultaneously searching for tunnels and hidden munitions that could allow militant groups to rebuild. Army officials stressed that this initial phase was only the first step in a longer-term effort to establish full state authority, prevent future rearmament by non-state actors, and restore public confidence in national security institutions. By taking these steps, Lebanon seeks to demonstrate both sovereignty over its territory and its commitment to fulfilling the obligations outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

The completion of the first phase also represents a test of Lebanon’s capacity to implement disarmament operations in contested areas while balancing domestic security concerns and international pressure. Success in southern Lebanon could serve as a model for extending similar measures to other regions where Hezbollah retains influence, although resistance from armed groups remains a significant challenge. Military analysts note that effective enforcement requires not only the physical removal of weapons but also sustained monitoring, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to prevent insurgent groups from regaining influence. The Lebanese army’s strategy emphasizes these comprehensive measures, signaling an intention to address both immediate threats and structural vulnerabilities that have historically allowed Hezbollah to operate with autonomy.

Ongoing Israeli operations continue to complicate the implementation of Lebanon’s disarmament agenda. Israeli raids, conducted under claims of preventing Hezbollah from rearming, have targeted areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, further straining relations and testing the limits of the ceasefire. Lebanese officials argue that such operations not only violate international agreements but also disrupt disarmament efforts, damage civilian infrastructure, and heighten the risk of renewed conflict. Despite these challenges, the Lebanese army remains committed to its phased approach, aiming to neutralize hazards such as unexploded ordnance, remove illicit tunnels, and secure the territory for civilian populations. The operation highlights the complex interplay of local enforcement, regional rivalries, and the strategic calculations of non-state armed actors, underscoring the fragility of peace in border areas.

Looking ahead, the Lebanese army plans to continue operations south of the Litani River while coordinating with international observers and local authorities to prevent the resurgence of armed groups. Measures will include both physical security interventions and institutional reforms aimed at long-term stability, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Hezbollah and other armed factions are unable to rebuild their military capabilities. While the first phase represents a symbolic and operational achievement, the broader success of Lebanon’s disarmament initiative will depend on sustained political will, effective border management, and continued monitoring of Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire. In this context, the army’s progress south of the Litani River is a cautiously optimistic step toward restoring state authority, reducing armed confl