Lebanon’s government has announced that the first phase of Hezbollah disarmament in southern Lebanon is close to completion, just days before a critical year-end deadline.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the weapons consolidation process south of the Litani River is progressing according to plan under a US-backed ceasefire agreement.
The disarmament effort forms a central pillar of the truce reached with Israel in November, which ended more than a year of cross-border hostilities.
Salam’s comments signal renewed confidence from Beirut that it can meet international obligations despite continued Israeli air strikes across southern Lebanese territory.
According to the prime minister, the current phase focuses exclusively on areas south of the Litani River, which runs parallel to Lebanon’s southern border.
The river has long served as a strategic dividing line in security arrangements involving Hezbollah, Israel, and the Lebanese state.
Under the ceasefire framework, Hezbollah is required to withdraw fighters and dismantle military infrastructure in the southern zone.
The Lebanese army has been tasked with enforcing the plan and ensuring that only state forces retain weapons in the designated areas.
Salam said the government is prepared to transition to the second phase of the disarmament process once the southern phase concludes.
That next phase would involve confiscating weapons north of the Litani River, expanding the state’s monopoly on armed force nationwide.
The prime minister emphasised that the plan was developed by the Lebanese army following a formal mandate from the government.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has also played a key role in overseeing the disarmament roadmap and coordinating with international partners.
The ceasefire agreement was brokered with strong backing from the United States, alongside support from France and the United Nations.
Washington has repeatedly stressed that Hezbollah’s disarmament is essential to preventing a return to large-scale conflict along the Israeli border.
Despite official progress claims, the process has unfolded amid continued Israeli military actions inside Lebanon.
Israeli warplanes have carried out repeated air strikes since the ceasefire, mostly targeting southern regions but occasionally striking near Beirut.
Israel argues that these strikes are necessary because Hezbollah has not fully complied with the truce conditions.
Lebanese officials, however, say the ongoing attacks undermine stability and complicate efforts to implement the disarmament plan smoothly.
Hezbollah has resisted calls to fully disarm, citing Israel’s continued military operations as justification for retaining its weapons.
The group also faces internal Lebanese pressure, particularly from Christian and Sunni political factions demanding stronger state authority.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have joined those voices, urging Lebanon to assert full control over armed groups within its borders.
Salam’s announcement followed talks with Simon Karam, Lebanon’s chief civilian negotiator on the Hezbollah-Israel truce committee.
The committee oversees implementation of the ceasefire and includes representatives from Lebanon, Israel, and international mediators.
During its latest meeting, members discussed not only security matters but also humanitarian and civilian concerns.
A key focus was facilitating the safe return of residents displaced during the 2023–2024 conflict.
Hundreds of thousands of people were uprooted from southern Lebanon as fighting intensified along the border with Israel.
Officials believe successful resettlement efforts could reduce tensions and lower the risk of renewed violence.
The committee also addressed economic reconstruction needs in war-affected communities.
According to the US Embassy in Beirut, civilian issues are increasingly central to the ceasefire talks.
This reflects a broader American push to expand negotiations beyond military monitoring alone.
Friday’s meeting took place in Naqoura, a coastal town in southern Lebanon that hosts UN peacekeeping operations.
UN officials remain involved in verifying ceasefire compliance and monitoring troop movements on both sides.
Israel has publicly questioned whether the Lebanese army is doing enough to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Israeli leaders have warned they will act independently if Lebanon fails to fulfil its commitments.
Hezbollah leaders argue that disarmament would leave Lebanon vulnerable while Israeli forces continue to strike.
The group insists that resistance remains necessary until all Israeli military actions cease.
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Analysts say the coming days will be critical for Lebanon’s credibility with international partners.
Failure to complete the first phase on schedule could trigger increased Israeli pressure or diplomatic fallout.
Conversely, successful implementation may strengthen the Lebanese state’s authority and unlock reconstruction support.
Lebanon’s economy remains fragile, and officials see stability as essential to attracting foreign aid and investment.
The government hopes that progress on disarmament will ease international concerns about security and governance.
As the year-end deadline approaches, attention is now focused on whether words will translate into lasting action.
The outcome could shape Lebanon’s political and security landscape for years to come.
