Lebanon Army Needs Four Months To Disarm Hezbollah

[Abdulwahid]

Lebanon's government announced on Monday that the national army will require at least four months to implement the second phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah in the country's south. The timeline may be extended depending on operational challenges and security conditions on the ground.

The government had previously committed to disarming Hezbollah following the group's recent war with Israel, which significantly weakened the Iran-backed movement. Authorities assigned the Lebanese army the responsibility of preparing and executing a structured disarmament strategy.

According to military officials, the first phase of the plan has already been completed. This stage covered the territory between the Litani River and the Israeli border, an area stretching roughly 30 kilometers southward.

The second phase will focus on the region between the Litani River and the Awali River, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Beirut. This area is considered strategically sensitive due to its proximity to key population centers.

Information Minister Paul Morcos stated after a cabinet meeting that the government had reviewed the army leadership's presentation regarding this next stage. He explained that the four-month timeframe could be adjusted depending on available capabilities, ongoing Israeli attacks, and other obstacles.

Israel has criticized the army's progress, accusing Hezbollah of attempting to rearm. Despite a ceasefire reached in November 2024 aimed at ending more than a year of hostilities, Israel has continued conducting strikes in Lebanon and maintains troops in five areas of southern Lebanon it considers strategic.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem condemned the government's focus on disarmament, describing it as a serious mistake that benefits Israeli objectives. He urged authorities to halt efforts to restrict the group's weapons, blaming what he called repeated government concessions for Israel's continued military actions.

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