Lebanon Nears Completion of Hezbollah Disarmament

Lebanon is on the brink of finalizing the disarmament of Hezbollah in the southern region of the Litani River, ahead of a year-end deadline. This progress is part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, as stated by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Announced on December 20, 2025, this development is crucial as it reflects the rapid efforts to meet key demands from a US-backed deal that emerged following over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Key Developments in the Disarmament Plan

The agreement specifically mandates the disarmament of the Iranian-aligned Lebanese militia, beginning in areas south of the river that borders Israel. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Salam directed the US-supported Lebanese army on August 5 to create a strategy aimed at establishing a state monopoly on arms by year’s end.

“Prime Minister Salam confirmed that the first phase of the weapons consolidation plan concerning the territory south of the Litani River will be completed within days,” his office declared. “The state is prepared to proceed to the second phase, which involves the confiscation of arms north of the Litani River, based on the strategy prepared by the Lebanese army under government authorization,” Salam noted.

Committee Meetings and Ongoing Discussions

This announcement followed a meeting between Salam and Simon Karam, Lebanon’s chief negotiator on the committee that oversees the Hezbollah-Israel truce. In their latest discussions, the committee highlighted the importance of facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their homes, tackling civilian concerns that could mitigate the risk of renewed hostilities if the deadline for Hezbollah’s disarmament is not met.

During the 15th meeting held in the coastal town of Naqoura, participants deliberated on strategies to ensure the safe return of residents displaced by the 2023-24 war and discussed plans for economic reconstruction, as noted by the US Embassy in Beirut.

Ongoing Tensions and External Pressures

Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have frequently targeted locations in southern Lebanon, even extending to the capital on occasion. Israel has expressed skepticism regarding the Lebanese army’s effectiveness in disarming Hezbollah. The group, recognized as a Shia Muslim armed organization, has resisted pressures for disarmament, particularly from its Christian and Sunni Muslim adversaries in Lebanon, along with the United States and Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah argues that disarming would be unwise while Israel continues its air strikes within Lebanese territory. Israel has made it clear that it expects Lebanese authorities to uphold the conditions of the truce, warning it might take necessary actions if Lebanon does not address the matter concerning Hezbollah.

Conclusion

Lebanon’s initiatives towards disarming Hezbollah are pivotal for ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region. The government’s efforts, backed by international support, underscore the urgency of addressing both security and humanitarian challenges as they navigate this complex situation.

Key Takeaways

• Lebanon is nearing completion of Hezbollah’s disarmament south of the Litani River.
• The Lebanese army is tasked with establishing a state monopoly on arms by the year’s end.
• Discussions continue to focus on the safe return of displaced individuals and reconstruction efforts.
• Heightened tensions remain as Israel monitors the situation closely, expecting compliance with the ceasefire agreement.