Hezbollah facilitates Lebanese army's border control with international support

Hezbollah, after decades of controlling southern Lebanon’s border areas, is now paving the way for the Lebanese army to take over the region, sources within the group and security forces said.

The shift is driven by promises of international and Arab support to strengthen Lebanon’s underfunded and poorly equipped military, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

A senior Hezbollah official expressed confidence in the Lebanese army's ability to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and border. The decision to deploy the army has been confirmed, with thousands of troops and military vehicles heading south, particularly to areas where Hezbollah once operated covertly.

The Lebanese army, however, faces significant challenges, including limited resources and outdated equipment, with most of its assets dating back to the Soviet era. The economic crisis in Lebanon has further strained the army, with soldiers’ salaries plummeting and many taking second jobs to survive. Despite these difficulties, a new ceasefire agreement, backed by international powers, mandates that the Lebanese army monitor and prevent unauthorized arms flows into the country, dismantle illegal weapons production facilities, and deploy forces south of the Litani River, where Hezbollah fighters are now prohibited.

The US and France have committed to supporting the army’s deployment, with plans to train Lebanese soldiers, focusing initially on counterterrorism, border monitoring, and the use of advanced military equipment. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to reduce Hezbollah's influence and strengthen Lebanon’s state institutions. Arab countries, including Egypt, are also in talks to provide military training for Lebanese troops, starting in Egypt due to Lebanon’s fragile security.

The ceasefire deal also involves a phased Israeli troop withdrawal and a 60-day truce, during which Lebanon must elect a new president. This political vacuum has hampered reconstruction efforts, and international donors have stressed the importance of stability and governance for Lebanon to receive aid. Hezbollah's role in Lebanon's political and military spheres is expected to decrease, allowing the army to take a central role in national security and reconstruction.

By Vafa Guliyeva