Lebanese army takes over security in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah disarmament pressure continues

BBC
BBC
2h ago
The Lebanese army said it has taken over security in southern Lebanon and met its initial goal of clearing non-state weapons south of the Litani river, while Israel continues strikes and disputes persist over Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Lebanese army takes over security in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah disarmament pressure continues
A What happened
The Lebanese army said it has taken over security in southern Lebanon, an area long dominated by Hezbollah, and said its objective to clear non-state weapons south of the Litani river was achieved in an “effective and tangible way.” The army said more work remains to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels, and Lebanese officials said the next stage will target the area between the Litani and Awali rivers, including Sidon, with no timeline. Israel continues to occupy at least five positions in southern Lebanon and has carried out near-daily attacks on targets it says are linked to Hezbollah, while Unifil said it has seen no indication Hezbollah is rebuilding infrastructure in the areas where it operates. Tens of thousands of residents in southern Lebanon remain displaced and communities lie in ruins, and international partners have conditioned reconstruction funds on measures that include action against Hezbollah.

Key insights

  • 1

    Disarmament efforts are proceeding in phases with uncertain next steps: Officials said the next stage will cover the area between the Litani and Awali rivers with no timeline, and Hezbollah said it will not disarm north of the Litani.

  • 2

    Ceasefire conditions remain contested: Lebanon said Israeli actions violate the ceasefire and obstruct army efforts, while Israel said Hezbollah is trying to rearm and rebuild with Iranian support, and Unifil said it has seen no indication of rebuilding in the areas where it operates.

  • 3

    Reconstruction funding is tied to security measures: International partners conditioned reconstruction funds on measures that include action against Hezbollah, while tens of thousands of residents remain displaced and communities lie in ruins.

Takeaways

The Lebanese army said it has secured southern Lebanon south of the Litani river as part of a phased plan to remove non-state weapons, while Israel continues military actions and Hezbollah’s broader disarmament remains unresolved.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Conflicts Governance Security & Defense

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