Lebanon Sets a Clear Timeline for hezbollah Disarmament Amid Escalating Regional Strains
The Lebanese government has revealed that its military forces will need at least four months to complete the second phase of their plan to confiscate Hezbollah’s weapons caches in southern Lebanon. This update was provided by Facts Minister Paul Morcos following a recent cabinet meeting.
Heightened Regional Tensions and Persistent Conflict
This announcement comes as pressure intensifies from both Israel and the United States, demanding that Hezbollah relinquish arms, especially in territories north of the Litani River. Despite a ceasefire brokered in 2024 aimed at ending over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah,Israeli airstrikes continue almost daily across Lebanese lands.
Even though this ceasefire significantly diminished Hezbollah’s operational strength-resulting in notable casualties among its leadership-the Israeli military maintains frequent strikes. Under the agreement, Lebanon committed to overseeing disarmament through its armed forces.
A Stepwise Strategy for Weapon Confiscation
The Lebanese army recently announced it had successfully completed the first stage targeting areas between the Litani River and Lebanon’s southern border with Israel. The current focus is on disarming weaponry situated between the Litani and Awali rivers, roughly 40 kilometers south of Beirut.
Minister Morcos noted that while four months is projected for this phase, unforeseen challenges such as ongoing Israeli military activity or logistical hurdles could extend this timeline.
Hezbollah’s Unyielding Resistance
Hezbollah remains steadfastly opposed to any disarmament efforts beyond southern Lebanon, interpreting ceasefire terms as applicable only south of the Litani River. Deputy leader Naim Qassem condemned government initiatives during a televised speech before Monday’s cabinet session, labeling these moves “a serious transgression” that inadvertently aids Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
“Halt all attempts aimed at limiting our arsenal,” Qassem demanded, blaming continued Israeli attacks partly on what he described as “repeated concessions” by Lebanese authorities.
The Toll of Ongoing Military Clashes
Tensions escalated further when Israeli forces launched fresh raids targeting southern towns such as Hanine and Talloussah, causing multiple casualties. The Israeli military confirmed one strike intended to eliminate a Hezbollah operative involved in rebuilding militant infrastructure within southern Lebanon.
This ongoing conflict has drawn sharp criticism from Israel regarding what it perceives as inadequate progress by Lebanese security agencies toward fully neutralizing Hezbollah’s armaments. Moreover, Israel continues controlling five disputed zones inside Lebanese territory where reconstruction efforts remain stalled; tens of thousands displaced by previous conflicts are still unable to return home due to these restrictions.
A Surge in cross-Border Violence Since Ceasefire Implementation
- fatalities: More than 370 people have died due to cross-border violence since late 2024 according to official Lebanese figures.
- Missions Conducted: UN data reveals over 10,000 airstrikes and ground incursions carried out by Israel into Lebanon within one year after signing the ceasefire agreement.
- sovereignty Breaches: In just three months during late 2025 alone there were upwards of two thousand documented violations against Lebanese sovereignty attributed directly to Israeli actions.
Lebanon Seeks Global Support for Sovereignty Enforcement
Lodging formal complaints with international organizations like the united Nations Security Council reflects Beirut’s urgent appeal for enforcement mechanisms compelling Israel not only to halt hostilities but also fully withdraw from occupied territories within Lebanon. These diplomatic efforts highlight growing frustration over repeated breaches undermining national sovereignty despite existing peace accords.
Navigating Between peace Prospects and Prolonged Conflict
The evolving situation underscores complex challenges confronting regional stability: balancing commitments under international agreements while addressing entrenched militant groups resistant to demilitarization amid persistent external pressures.
