What's happened
Since the ceasefire ending the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, Lebanon's army has increased its border deployment to nearly 10,000 troops, took journalists on a tour of former Hezbollah sites, and is managing unexploded ordnance. Israel continues airstrikes, claiming Hezbollah is rebuilding capabilities.
What's behind the headline?
The Lebanese army's increased presence along the border signifies a strategic effort to assert control over former Hezbollah strongholds and prevent rearmament. The destruction of Hezbollah sites and tunnels indicates a significant military effort, yet Israel's ongoing airstrikes suggest that Hezbollah's capacity to rearm remains a concern. The international community's focus on disarmament efforts contrasts with Hezbollah's rejection of the Lebanese government's plan, highlighting the fragile stability in the region. The continued Israeli strikes and Lebanese military actions will likely sustain a tense stalemate, with the potential for renewed hostilities if Hezbollah reestablishes its capabilities. The situation underscores the persistent volatility of Lebanon's border region and the broader Middle East conflict dynamics.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the Lebanese army has increased its border presence to nearly 10,000 troops, took journalists on a tour of former Hezbollah sites, and is dealing with unexploded ordnance, emphasizing ongoing security efforts. The New Arab highlights that the ceasefire required Israel to withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days, with satellite images showing destruction near the Hatzivoni outpost and widened access roads, indicating ongoing military adjustments. AP News notes that Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes since the ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah and causing civilian casualties, while Lebanese officials report over 5,000 violations by Israel since the ceasefire, including airstrikes and infrastructure damage. All sources agree that Hezbollah claims no longer to have an armed presence south of the Litani River but continues to be accused of rebuilding capabilities, with Israeli claims of ongoing rearmament efforts. The articles collectively depict a tense, ongoing conflict environment with active military operations and political disputes over disarmament.
How we got here
The 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in support of Hamas. The war resulted in widespread destruction in Lebanon and Israel, with Israel conducting extensive air and ground operations. Lebanon's government voted to disarm Hezbollah, but the group rejected the plan. Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Lebanon's army has intensified border security efforts, taking control of former Hezbollah positions and dismantling weapons caches, amid ongoing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah rebuilding efforts.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Has Lebanon Increased Its Border Troops After the 2024 Conflict?
Following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, Lebanon has significantly ramped up its border security. Many are asking why Lebanon is increasing its troop presence and what this means for regional stability. In this page, we explore the reasons behind Lebanon's military buildup, the significance of the ceasefire, and the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s border security efforts.
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What Are the Key Causes of Tensions in the Middle East and Africa Today?
Regional tensions in the Middle East and Africa are complex and multifaceted, driven by political conflicts, elections, and ongoing violence. Understanding the main sources of these tensions can help clarify the current situation and what might happen next. Below, we explore the primary issues fueling instability across these regions and answer common questions about their impact on global security.
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Why has Lebanon increased its border troops?
Lebanon has recently expanded its border security, deploying nearly 10,000 troops to the Lebanon-Israel border. This move comes amid ongoing tensions following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Many wonder what’s behind this military buildup, how it affects regional stability, and what it means for Lebanon’s future security. Below, we explore the reasons for Lebanon’s increased border presence and what it signals about the current situation in the region.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.