The Lebanese Armed Forces announced the completion of the opening stage of a national initiative aimed at curbing the influence and military capabilities of non-state armed groups in southern Lebanon, with attention largely focused on Hezbollah. The achievement fulfills a year-end deadline set by the government and represents the most extensive state deployment in the region in decades.
New Ground Gained in the South
Military officials reported that troops have assumed broad operational control over territory stretching south of the Litani River, an area that had long served as the center of Hezbollah’s strategic networks. Soldiers have been clearing explosives, dismantling launch sites, and sealing tunnel access points to prevent the reactivation of militant infrastructure. The army emphasized that clearance work is ongoing to eliminate leftover hazards and prevent the re-establishment of unauthorized military activity.
Mixed Responses at Home and Abroad
Reactions fluctuated between cautious optimism and skepticism. Israeli officials labeled the progress a “notable beginning” but insisted that Hezbollah retains both intent and capacity to rebuild. Lebanon’s leadership, including President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri, praised the army’s efforts and framed the development as a restoration of state sovereignty. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon described the milestone as “meaningful advancement,” while Lebanese authorities criticized continued Israeli airstrikes and the occupation of several border highlands, arguing the moves hamper disarmament and violate existing ceasefire arrangements.
Inside the Disarmament Blueprint
The strategy, approved in late 2025, calls for the phased dismantling of unauthorized armed groups beginning in the south and eventually extending across Lebanese territory. Over 9,000 Lebanese troops are now stationed in the region – the largest state presence there in roughly four decades. Military personnel have seized thousands of rockets, dozens of missile systems, and equipment caches initially concealed in private homes and farmland. Beirut’s airport, once considered a vital artery for Hezbollah’s logistics, is now under federal control.
Ceasefire Context and Lingering Pressures
This shift comes more than a year after a U.S.-led ceasefire ended a destructive conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted shortly after the October 7, 2023 attacks. Hezbollah suffered significant battlefield losses during the war, but disagreements remain over the geographic scope of the disarmament terms. While Hezbollah argues its obligations are limited to areas south of the Litani, Israel maintains the agreement applies nationwide. Despite the truce, sporadic Israeli strikes continue against suspected Hezbollah assets, though UNIFIL has publicly reported no observable evidence of reconstruction in its monitored areas.
Planning Moves to Sidon Corridor
The government confirmed that the next phase will move north toward the Awali River, encompassing Sidon, one of Lebanon’s major urban and commercial centers. Officials expect a formal plan to be presented to the cabinet in February 2026. However, no implementation timeline has been released. Funding shortfalls remain a serious obstacle, compounded by Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis. Hezbollah leadership has openly rejected any disarmament discussions in territory north of the Litani until Israeli forces withdraw from contested border points and halt aerial strikes. President Aoun has ruled out the use of force against Hezbollah, warning that such action could risk domestic conflict.
Regional Analysts See a Narrow Window
Political observers argue that Lebanon now faces a rare window to redefine state authority and navigate a path toward reconstruction. Recommendations include accelerating planning for the second phase, rebuilding services in the south, and engaging Shiite communities to reduce reliance on Hezbollah’s parallel welfare systems. Experts also urge Israel to reduce tensions through verifiable confidence-building steps and encourage Washington to continue its mediating role, provide technical assessments, and facilitate economic support.
Hezbollah’s Entrenched Influence
Despite recent setbacks, Hezbollah continues to maintain strong political and social influence. It occupies seats in parliament, participates in government, and runs clinics, schools, and charities, ensuring its relevance across significant segments of the population. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Aoun insist disarming non-state groups remains a national priority, though the path forward is expected to be slow and highly contested.
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