Lebanon Moves to Disarm Hezbollah in Southern Regions

Lebanon is reportedly on the brink of completing the first phase of Hezbollah’s disarmament in the south of the Litani River, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This milestone is part of a broader US-backed ceasefire deal with Israel, aimed at consolidating weapons under state control and preventing renewed conflict in the region.

“The first phase of the weapons consolidation plan related to the area south of the Litani River is only days away from completion,” Salam’s office said in an official statement on Saturday.

---

Background of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire, agreed upon in November 2024, ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the agreement, Hezbollah—a Shia Muslim armed group backed by Iran—must surrender weapons in areas south of the Litani River adjacent to Israel.

Lebanese authorities, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Salam, tasked the Lebanese army on August 5 with developing a comprehensive plan to establish a state monopoly on arms by year-end. The second phase will focus on disarming Hezbollah in territories north of the Litani River, contingent upon progress in the southern region.

---

Committee Meetings Focus on Civilian Protection

Salam’s announcement followed a meeting with Simon Karam, Lebanon’s top civilian negotiator on the committee overseeing the Hezbollah-Israel truce. The 15th committee meeting, held in the southern coastal town of Naqoura, focused on civilian protection and the safe return of displaced residents from the 2023-24 war.

The committee, supported by the US Embassy in Beirut, aims to broaden the scope of talks beyond mere truce monitoring to include economic reconstruction and humanitarian support. Discussions emphasized preventing renewed hostilities if the disarmament timeline is delayed.

---

Challenges and Opposition

Hezbollah has resisted pressure to disarm, citing continued Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon as a major threat. The group argues that surrendering arms prematurely would weaken Lebanon’s defensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, Israel continues to monitor Lebanon’s compliance with the ceasefire. Officials have expressed doubts about the Lebanese army’s ability to fully enforce Hezbollah’s disarmament and have warned that Israel will act “as necessary” if steps are not taken to curb Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

---

Regional and International Significance

The disarmament plan is seen as a critical step in stabilizing southern Lebanon, reducing the risk of renewed clashes with Israel, and reinforcing the US-backed security framework in the region. The success of the first phase will set the stage for broader negotiations on disarmament north of the Litani River and could enhance Lebanon’s ability to manage its internal security independently.

The ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including in southern regions and occasionally near the capital, underscore the urgency of completing the disarmament process and consolidating state control over weapons.

---

Conclusion: A Step Toward Stability

Lebanon’s progress in implementing the first phase of Hezbollah’s disarmament represents a significant milestone in post-conflict stabilization. While challenges remain—particularly Hezbollah’s resistance and ongoing Israeli security concerns—the country appears poised to meet its year-end deadline, paving the way for the second phase and strengthening efforts to maintain peace along the southern border.