What's happened
Lebanese authorities aim to complete disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River by the end of 2025, amid ongoing political tensions and Israeli pressure. The process follows a US-brokered ceasefire after a year of conflict, with Lebanon planning to extend disarmament efforts nationwide.
What's behind the headline?
Lebanon's disarmament efforts reflect a complex interplay of regional diplomacy, internal political struggles, and external pressures. The Lebanese government is under significant pressure from Israel and the US to accelerate Hezbollah's disarmament, which remains incomplete. While Lebanese officials publicly aim for progress, the persistent threat of rearming and regional influence from Iran complicate the process. The disarmament is crucial for regional stability, but the likelihood of full compliance remains uncertain, especially given Hezbollah's entrenched position and Iran's backing. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and military strikes indicate a fragile balance that could tip toward renewed conflict if disarmament stalls or regional tensions escalate.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Lebanon aims to finish disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River by the end of 2025, with plans to disarm the rest of the country afterward. The Times of Israel highlights the political rhetoric from Lebanese officials, including President Aoun and Foreign Minister Rajji, emphasizing diplomatic efforts and regional tensions. Both sources note the slow progress and external pressures, especially from Israel and the US, to fully disarm Hezbollah. The articles also detail recent Israeli military strikes targeting Hezbollah sites, underscoring ongoing security concerns and the fragile ceasefire status.
How we got here
Tensions escalated after a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which paused with a US-mediated ceasefire in late 2023. Under the ceasefire, Hezbollah was to disarm and allow Lebanese forces to deploy fully across the country. Lebanon has since been working on disarmament plans, but progress has been slow amid political and regional pressures, especially from Israel and the US, who demand Hezbollah's weapons be fully surrendered.
Go deeper
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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