A significant shift is underway in Lebanon's volatile landscape: the Lebanese army claims to have assumed control of security in the country's south, a region long dominated by Hezbollah. This announcement comes amidst heightened tensions and fears of an escalating military offensive by Israel.
For decades, the south of Lebanon has been a stronghold for Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed movement. Following a ceasefire in November 2024, which ended a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, international pressure, particularly from the US, has mounted on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army had set a year-end deadline to clear the area south of the Litani river, approximately 30km (20 miles) from the Israeli border, of non-state weapons. The army stated its objective had been achieved in an 'effective and tangible way', though further work remains to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels.
But here's where it gets controversial: The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, stating that the efforts were 'an encouraging beginning, but they are far from sufficient.' Israel accuses Hezbollah of rearming and rebuilding its infrastructure with Iranian support.
In recent months, the Lebanese army has dismantled infrastructure in areas previously controlled by Hezbollah without facing resistance. Hezbollah maintains it has complied with the ceasefire and removed its fighters from these areas, where Palestinian factions, including Hamas, had also operated.
However, US and Israeli officials have expressed frustration with the pace of the army's efforts. Israel, which considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization, has accused the group of trying to regain its military capabilities. Recent reports suggest that Netanyahu has received a green light from US President Donald Trump to intensify the military campaign against Hezbollah.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued near-daily attacks on targets it claims are linked to Hezbollah and still occupies at least five positions in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government refutes these claims, viewing Israel's actions as a violation of the ceasefire and an obstacle to the army's efforts.
And this is the part most people miss: Israel has not publicly released the evidence it claims to have regarding Hezbollah's activities. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, known as Unifil, has also stated it has seen no indication of Hezbollah rebuilding its infrastructure in the areas where it operates.
The next phase of the army's plan will focus on the area between the Litani and Awali rivers, including the port city of Sidon, though there is no timeline for this. The cash-strapped Lebanese army has also cited insufficient funding and equipment as a challenge.
It remains unclear if Hezbollah will resist measures in other areas, as it has stated it will not disarm north of the Litani. The group maintains a strong presence in the eastern Bekaa valley and Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahieh.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has rejected the use of force against Hezbollah, fearing it could exacerbate sectarian divisions and lead to violence. Hezbollah, a political party with representation in parliament and the government, as well as a social movement, enjoys significant support among Lebanon's Shia community.
However, there's a different perspective: Opponents see this as a unique opportunity to disarm the group after its losses in the war. Hezbollah, however, has rejected calls to discuss the future of its weapons.
In southern Lebanon, tens of thousands of residents remain displaced, and communities lie in ruins. Lebanon's international partners have conditioned funds for reconstruction on measures that include action against Hezbollah.
What do you think? Do you believe the Lebanese army's actions will lead to lasting peace? Do you agree with the international pressure to disarm Hezbollah, or do you see it as a violation of their rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
