What's happened
Lebanese authorities are close to completing the first phase of disarming Hezbollah, as the US-backed ceasefire aims to end over a year of conflict. The Lebanese army is tasked with establishing a monopoly on arms, but resistance from Hezbollah and ongoing Israeli strikes complicate progress.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing disarmament process reveals deep tensions between Lebanon's state authority and Hezbollah, which views its arsenal as vital for regional resistance. The Lebanese army's efforts are hampered by Hezbollah's refusal to surrender weapons, risking a potential escalation if disarmament stalls. International involvement, especially from the US and France, aims to support Lebanon's military capacity and civilian reintegration, but the political will remains fragile. Israel's persistent strikes underscore the volatility, with the risk that unresolved disarmament could trigger renewed hostilities. The next few months will determine whether Lebanon can meet the US-imposed deadline or if the ceasefire's fragile stability will fracture, leading to renewed conflict.
What the papers say
The New Arab emphasizes Lebanon's efforts to meet the disarmament deadline amid US and Israeli pressure, highlighting the Lebanese army's recent discoveries of Hezbollah weapons caches. The Times of Israel notes the Lebanese government's readiness to move to the second phase of disarmament, despite Hezbollah's resistance and Israeli strikes. Al Jazeera reports on the broader context of civilian issues and international negotiations aimed at preventing renewed war, emphasizing the political complexity. Reuters provides a detailed account of the military and diplomatic efforts, including the role of civilian representatives in the talks and the ongoing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions. All sources agree that progress is fragile and that Hezbollah's opposition remains a significant obstacle.
How we got here
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered in November 2024, ended over a year of fighting and mandated Hezbollah's disarmament in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's government, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Salam, tasked the Lebanese army with implementing a weapons consolidation plan, starting south of the Litani River. Despite progress, Hezbollah resists disarmament, citing strategic and political reasons, while Israel continues targeted strikes. The process is further complicated by international efforts to support Lebanon's military and civilian recovery, amid fears of renewed conflict.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the current status of Hezbollah disarmament in Lebanon?
Lebanon is at a critical juncture in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, with ongoing political and regional tensions complicating the process. Despite international backing and a recent ceasefire agreement, disarmament remains a complex and contentious issue. Many wonder how close Lebanon is to fully disarming Hezbollah and what obstacles still stand in the way. Below, we explore the latest developments, regional impacts, and what this means for Lebanon's future stability.
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Nawaf Abdallah Salim Salam is a Lebanese politician, diplomat, jurist and academic who is the prime minister-designate of Lebanon.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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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.
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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.