Media: Lebanese army nears end of Hezbollah disarmament phase

The Lebanese Army is close to completing the first phase of its disarmament plan targeting areas south of the Litani River, amid escalating Israeli strikes along the border and fears of a broader conflict.

Now in its second month, the operation aims to dismantle weapons depots, tunnels and other military infrastructure in line with UN Resolution 1701, Caliber.Az reports per Al-Modon.

According to military sources, the army has completed about 90% of its tasks in the south, maintaining 118 positions across three sectors — eastern, central and western — covering Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil and Naqoura.

Army Commander General Haikal is expected to present his second progress report to the government this week, detailing the dismantling of four major Hezbollah-linked facilities, including one in Wadi Jilo in the Tyre district, and dozens of smaller caches in border villages. 

The report will also warn of risks posed by ongoing Israeli air and ground operations, which have hindered access to certain sites and resulted in repeated strikes on army and UN positions.

UNIFIL, including Chinese engineering units, has been authorised to assist in mine clearance and demolition work. The army has also requested additional explosives equipment and monitoring technology for future stages of the plan, which will involve installing watchtowers equipped with sensors and radar to detect Israeli movements and prevent unauthorised armed activity.

President Joseph Aoun has instructed the army to respond to Israeli incursions while keeping open the path to negotiations. However, the upcoming cabinet debate over Haikal’s report could expose deep political divisions.

Some ministers accuse Hezbollah of delaying the disarmament process and dragging the country into confrontation, while others argue that Israel’s violations have obstructed state efforts and that Hezbollah has largely cooperated south of the Litani.

Military sources emphasise that the remaining work depends heavily on a halt to Israeli attacks and the delivery of technical equipment. The next phase of the disarmament plan will extend beyond the Litani, though the army remains cautious about addressing Hezbollah’s weapons in the north until Israel’s stance on withdrawal and ceasefire becomes clear.

The army’s progress underscores its pivotal role in maintaining Lebanon’s fragile stability, even as the risk of renewed confrontation along the border grows.

By Aghakazim Guliyev