What's happened
Lebanese authorities report progress in disarming Hezbollah, with the army completing the first phase of a plan to restrict weapons north of the Litani River. The government grants four months for the second phase, amid Hezbollah's rejection and Israeli concerns over security threats.
What's behind the headline?
The disarmament process in Lebanon is deeply intertwined with regional security dynamics. The Lebanese government’s phased approach aims to formalize state control over weapons, but Hezbollah’s rejection underscores the group's entrenched influence and resistance to disarmament. The international community's support, notably from Egypt and Western allies, signals a push for stability, yet Hezbollah’s refusal and Israel’s ongoing strikes suggest the process will face significant hurdles. The four-month timeline for the second phase appears optimistic given Hezbollah’s stance and operational capabilities. The situation risks escalating tensions, especially if Hezbollah perceives the disarmament as a threat to its existence or regional influence. The upcoming months will be critical in determining whether Lebanon can achieve a fragile disarmament or if conflict will intensify, with regional implications.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Egypt's Foreign Minister praised the Lebanese army's progress and emphasized international support. Arab News highlights Hezbollah's rejection of the disarmament plan, accusing it of serving Israeli interests, and notes Israel's continued strikes and security concerns. The Times of Israel details Lebanon's phased disarmament efforts, Hezbollah's opposition, and Israel's security priorities, including recent strikes on Islamic Jihad operatives. Reuters provides a comprehensive overview of the political and military developments, emphasizing Hezbollah's resistance and Israel's stance on disarmament and security threats. The contrasting perspectives reflect the complex regional tensions, with some sources emphasizing Lebanon's sovereignty efforts and others highlighting Hezbollah's influence and Israeli security concerns.
How we got here
Lebanon's government committed in 2025 to disarm all armed groups, especially Hezbollah, following its 2024 war with Israel. The army's plan involves phased disarmament, starting with areas north of the Litani River. Hezbollah opposes the effort, citing Israeli threats, and Israel continues strikes, asserting the group's weapons threaten regional security.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is Lebanon doing to disarm Hezbollah?
Lebanon is currently working on a phased plan to disarm Hezbollah, a move that has sparked significant debate. While the Lebanese army has made progress in restricting weapons north of the Litani River, Hezbollah opposes disarmament, citing regional security concerns. This ongoing effort raises questions about Lebanon's sovereignty, regional stability, and the influence of external actors like Israel. Below, we explore the key aspects of Lebanon's disarmament efforts and the surrounding tensions.
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How Are Israel and Lebanon's Conflicts Affecting Regional Stability?
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, particularly around Hezbollah's disarmament efforts and recent Israeli strikes, are shaping the security landscape of the Middle East. These developments raise questions about regional stability, the risk of escalation, and how neighboring countries are responding. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the future of the region.
More on these topics
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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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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.