The Lebanese Army has announced significant progress in its operation to disarm Hezbollah, particularly in the region south of the Litani River. This development comes in the wake of a gripping ceasefire that has marked over a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, highlighting the complex security landscape in the region.
First Phase Achieved
On 8 January 2024, the Lebanese Army declared the successful completion of the first phase of its disarmament plan, stating that it had achieved the objectives in the designated areas. However, challenges remain as Hezbollah continues to refuse the surrender of its weapons.
- Lebanese army controls the area south of the Litani River.
- Operations will continue to eliminate unexploded ordnance and search for militants’ tunnels.
- Hezbollah’s military infrastructure dismantling remains incomplete.
Ongoing Israeli Operations
Just a day later, on 9 January 2024, the Israeli military retaliated with strikes on several locations in Lebanon, citing concerns about Hezbollah rearming. These strikes primarily targeted:
- Weapons storage facilities.
- Production sites used for military buildup.
- Launch sites and rocket launchers.
Despite the truce, Israel maintains deployments in five strategically significant areas in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire terms.
International Reactions and Future Steps
Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have welcomed the Lebanese government’s progress while stressing the need for resolute actions to ensure full disarmament. Macron emphasised the importance of respecting the ceasefire agreements and the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal is scheduled to brief the Lebanese government on the operations’ success, which continues to face U.S. pressure regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament.
As tensions persist and military actions continue, the outlook for stability in Lebanon remains uncertain, with various local and international stakeholders eyeing developments closely.