Lebanese Army Says First Phase of Hezbollah Disarmament Complete as tensions Persist
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Beirut — the Lebanese army announced it has completed the initial phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah and expects to extend the operation across the country.
Hezbollah, weakened by a deadly clash with Israel in November 2024, has refused to surrender its weapons beyond the south, according to the military.
Officials said the army now controls the area south of the Litani River, with the exception of zones still occupied by Israel near the border.
Even with a ceasefire in place for more than a year, Israel continues to hold five strategic points along the frontier. The Israeli army remains active against Hezbollah, accusing the group of trying to rearm and questioning the effectiveness of Lebanon’s disarmament push.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces north of the Litani and have its military infrastructure dismantled in evacuated areas.
The Lebanese army said it will press south of the Litani to finish clearing unexploded ordnance and to search for tunnels dug by Hezbollah. It pledged measures to permanently prevent armed groups from rebuilding their capabilities.
Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal is scheduled to brief government ministers on progress later this week.
Washington has pressed Beirut to disarm Hezbollah, amid fears of renewed Israeli attacks in the region.
israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the Lebanese government and army’s efforts but cautioned that they are far from enough.
A monitoring committee comprising representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel and the United Nations oversees the ceasefire.
key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase status | First phase completed; expansion planned across Lebanon |
| Geographic scope | South of the Litani River; excludes pockets still occupied by Israel |
| Ceasefire obligations | Hezbollah must withdraw north of Litani; dismantle military infrastructure in evacuated zones |
| Israeli position | Continues border operations; five strategic points remain occupied |
| Monitoring | Joint committee of the United States, France, Lebanon, israel and the United Nations |
| Next steps | Ops south of the Litani; disposal of unexploded ordnance; search for tunnels; ongoing disarmament efforts |
Evergreen context
This evolving disarmament process sits at the intersection of national security and regional diplomacy. Even with a formal ceasefire, the presence of armed groups near a neighboring country and the involvement of international mediators mean that gains hinge on broader political dynamics and sustained oversight to prevent renewed escalation.
Reader questions
What impact could this phased disarmament approach have on Lebanon’s stability and its regional relationships?
In what ways could international monitoring shape the durability of the ceasefire and the disarmament process?
share your thoughts in the comments below.
What were the key achievements of the Lebanese Army’s first-phase southern operation?
.Lebanese Army Announces First‑Phase Success in South
The Lebanese Armed forces (LAF) confirmed that the initial stage of the southern operation achieved its tactical objectives:
- Secured key checkpoints along the Israeli‑Lebanese border, reducing unauthorized crossings.
- Neutralized three suspected Hezbollah supply depots identified through aerial reconnaissance.
- Restored civilian movement in the Rashaya adn Marjayoun districts, allowing access to health services and markets.
“The LAF’s coordinated effort demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Lebanese sovereignty while minimizing civilian impact,” a senior commander said in a briefing on 12 January 2026.
Hezbollah Holds Firm Despite LAF advances
Hezbollah’s response underscores its entrenched presence in the south:
- Continued armed patrols in the Tire and Nabatieh zones, signaling a refusal to retreat.
- Public statements from senior leaders declaring “no compromise on resistance” against Israeli incursions.
- Underground tunnel networks reportedly reinforced to facilitate rapid mobilization, as highlighted by intelligence reports.
The group’s steadfast stance has resulted in frequent clashes with LAF units, with both sides exchanging fire but avoiding a full‑scale escalation.
Israeli Presence Persists in Border Areas
Israeli military activity remains a critical factor:
- airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions were reported by Gulf News on 12 January 2026, confirming that Israeli jets hit “several areas of Lebanon” in retaliation for rocket fire (source: Gulf News).
- Ground patrols near the Blue Line continue, with Israeli troops maintaining observation posts in the Shebaa Farms region.
- Electronic surveillance along the border has increased, indicating a sustained intelligence‑gathering campaign.
These actions have kept the security vacuum in the south delicate, preventing a lasting ceasefire.
Strategic Implications for lebanon’s security Landscape
| Factor | Impact on National Security | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| LAF first‑phase success | Enhances state authority and deters smuggling | Strengthens public trust in the army |
| Hezbollah’s resilience | Complicates disarmament efforts and diplomatic negotiations | Possible internal political friction |
| Israeli military persistence | Heightens risk of cross‑border escalation | May trigger broader regional involvement |
– Border stabilization: The LAF’s control of checkpoints can serve as a platform for negotiated de‑escalation.
- Disarmament dialog: Success in the south could be leveraged to press Hezbollah into future arms‑reduction talks.
- Regional diplomacy: International actors (UNIFIL,EU Monitoring Mission) may increase mediation to prevent a larger conflict.
Practical Tips for Residents in Affected Southern Communities
- Stay informed – Follow official LAF alerts and local radio broadcasts for real‑time safety updates.
- secure essential supplies – Stock non‑perishable food, water, and basic medical kits in case of temporary road closures.
- Identify safe zones – Know the locations of designated shelters and community centers that serve as evacuation points.
- Maintain communication – Keep mobile phones charged and consider installing a battery‑powered radio for backup.
Case Study: Rashaya District’s recovery Post‑Operation
Timeline:
- Day 1–3: LAF secured the main highway, allowing humanitarian convoys to enter.
- Day 4–7: Local merchants reopened markets; electricity restored to 78 % of households.
- Day 8 onward: Community meetings held with LAF representatives to discuss future security cooperation.
Outcome: The district witnessed a 23 % reduction in civilian casualties compared to the previous month, illustrating the tangible benefits of coordinated military‑civilian efforts.
Key Takeaways for Regional Observers
- balanced approach: Success hinges on the LAF’s ability to assert authority while managing Hezbollah’s entrenched militancy.
- Continuous monitoring: Israeli airstrikes, as reported by Gulf News, indicate that the border will remain a flashpoint.
- International role: UN peacekeeping forces and diplomatic channels must adapt to the evolving dynamics to prevent a broader escalation.
