What's happened
As of January 2026, Lebanon is nearing completion of the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, under heavy US pressure. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes and drone attacks targeting Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon, maintaining troops in strategic areas. Hezbollah rejects disarmament demands, citing ongoing Israeli aggression and US influence.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Conflict Despite Ceasefire
Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, including airstrikes and drone attacks, underscore the fragility of the 2024 ceasefire. The presence of Israeli troops in five strategic Lebanese locations and frequent strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure reveal Israel's distrust of Hezbollah's compliance and intent to prevent rearmament.
Lebanon's Delicate Balancing Act
Lebanon faces intense pressure from the US and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group that remains influential despite heavy losses. The Lebanese Armed Forces' phased disarmament plan, nearing completion south of the Litani River, reflects government efforts to assert state authority while avoiding direct confrontation with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's Defiance and Regional Implications
Hezbollah's leadership, including Naim Qassem, frames disarmament as an Israeli-American agenda, refusing to surrender arms while Israel continues attacks and occupation. This stance complicates Lebanon's internal politics and regional stability, as Hezbollah positions itself as a defender against Israeli aggression.
Forecast and Consequences
Without credible security guarantees and a halt to Israeli strikes, Lebanon's disarmament efforts risk stalling or provoking renewed conflict. The international community's role, including UNIFIL's impending withdrawal and European support for Lebanese forces, will be critical. The situation remains volatile, with potential escalation if disarmament deadlines are missed or Israeli operations intensify.
Reader Impact
While geographically distant, the conflict affects global security dynamics, energy markets, and refugee flows. Understanding Lebanon's internal challenges and the Israel-Hezbollah tensions is essential for grasping Middle East stability and international diplomatic efforts.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel provides detailed accounts of Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives, emphasizing Israel's view that Hezbollah violates ceasefire terms and continues rearming. For example, the IDF reported strikes on weapons storage and production sites used by Hezbollah, asserting these actions are necessary to protect Israeli security. Lebanese officials, as reported by Al Jazeera and Arab News, highlight Lebanon's commitment to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, while also conveying Hezbollah's rejection of disarmament as an Israeli-American imposition. Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem criticized the disarmament plan, stating it serves Israeli interests amid ongoing Israeli aggression. Al Jazeera's coverage adds context on the humanitarian impact of Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, noting civilian casualties and displacement. The Independent and AP News report on the timing of Israeli strikes coinciding with Lebanese army briefings on disarmament progress, illustrating the tense atmosphere. Lebanese political figures, including President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, have publicly called for dismantling Hezbollah's military capabilities, reflecting a shift in Lebanon's official stance. These sources collectively reveal a complex narrative of military action, political pressure, and contested sovereignty, with Israel prioritizing security and Lebanon navigating internal divisions and external demands.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah attacked Israel on October 8, 2023, triggering a 14-month war that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. The ceasefire required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and disarm in vacated areas. Lebanon's government initiated a phased disarmament plan, starting south of the Litani River, amid Israeli accusations of Hezbollah rearming and ongoing strikes.
Go deeper
- What is Hezbollah's response to the disarmament plan?
- How is Israel justifying its continued strikes in Lebanon?
- What role is the international community playing in this conflict?
Common question
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Is Hezbollah Being Disarmed in Lebanon Now?
Lebanon is currently in a delicate phase of disarmament efforts targeting Hezbollah, with authorities working to confiscate weapons south of the Litani River. This process is influenced by international pressure, regional tensions, and ongoing conflicts with Israel. Many wonder whether Hezbollah will comply, resist, or if the disarmament will succeed. Here are the key questions and answers about Lebanon's disarmament process and what it means for the region.
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What Are the Biggest Security Threats Today?
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What Are the Key Regional Conflicts Shaping Today’s News?
In recent weeks, several major conflicts and geopolitical shifts have dominated headlines worldwide. From ongoing security challenges in Nigeria to tensions over Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon, understanding these conflicts helps us grasp their broader implications. Below, we explore the most pressing issues, what they mean for global stability, and what to watch for in the coming weeks.
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Why is Lebanon trying to disarm Hezbollah now?
Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah have become a major focus in regional politics. With ongoing tensions, Israeli strikes, and external influences, many are asking why Lebanon is pushing for disarmament now and what it means for stability in the Middle East. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation.
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Could Lebanon’s Disarmament Trigger Regional Conflicts?
Lebanon's recent efforts to disarm Hezbollah amid ongoing tensions have raised many questions about regional stability. With the Lebanese military pushing to disarm Hezbollah and ongoing Israeli strikes, many wonder what this means for neighboring countries and the broader Middle East. Will disarmament bring peace or escalate conflicts? Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the implications of Lebanon’s disarmament efforts.
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Why Is Israel Striking Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2026?
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated in 2026, with recent Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. This raises questions about what’s driving these military actions, whether peace efforts are holding, and what role Iran plays in regional stability. Below, we explore the key issues behind these tensions and what they mean for the Middle East’s future.
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What Are the Biggest Security Threats in 2026?
As global tensions rise and military advancements continue, understanding the key security threats of 2026 is crucial. From North Korea's military progress to regional conflicts and new technological challenges, this page explores the most pressing security concerns shaping our world today. Curious about how nations are responding and what the future holds? Keep reading for insights into the top threats and responses this year.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories of 2026 So Far?
2026 has already brought some major headlines that are shaping the world we live in. From military advancements in North Korea to changes in New York City's transit system, these stories impact global security, technology, and daily life. Curious about what’s happening and what it means for you? Here are the key stories and answers to your top questions about 2026's biggest news.
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Why Are Tensions Rising Between Lebanon and Israel Now?
Recent developments in the Middle East have brought Lebanon and Israel back into the spotlight. With ongoing Israeli strikes and Lebanon's internal debates over disarmament, many are asking what’s fueling this renewed tension. Understanding the current situation involves looking at regional conflicts, Hezbollah’s role, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Below, we explore the key questions to help you make sense of these complex events.
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What Are the Latest Developments in Middle East Conflicts?
The Middle East remains a hotspot of tension and conflict, with recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Gaza highlighting ongoing instability. Understanding the current situation involves looking at regional powers' involvement, peace prospects, and how civilians are affected. Below, we explore the latest updates and what they mean for the region’s future.
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Why Is Israel Still Conducting Airstrikes in Lebanon?
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon remains a complex and tense situation. Despite international efforts for peace, Israel continues airstrikes targeting Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon. Many wonder why these strikes persist and what they mean for regional stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind Israel's ongoing military actions, the role of Hezbollah, and the broader implications for the Middle East.
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What Are the Regional Implications of Israel's Strikes in Lebanon?
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks in Lebanon are raising concerns about regional stability. With Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah and Israel's continued military operations, many are wondering how these actions could reshape the Middle East. Below, we explore key questions about the broader impact of these conflicts and what they mean for neighboring countries and international diplomacy.
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What’s the latest on Hezbollah disarmament and Middle East tensions?
The situation in Lebanon and the broader Middle East remains tense as efforts to disarm Hezbollah progress amid ongoing Israeli strikes and international pressure. Many are wondering what this means for regional stability, the role of the US, and the future of peace efforts. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this complex and evolving conflict.
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.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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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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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Naim Qassem is a Shia Lebanese cleric and politician, who was the second-in-command of Hezbollah with the title of deputy secretary-general.
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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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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Lebanese Armed Forces or Forces Armées Libanaises in French, also known as the Lebanese Army, is the military of the Lebanese Republic. It consists of three branches, the army, the air force, and the navy. The motto of the Lebanese Armed Forces is "H