The Lebanese cabinet has requested the army leadership to develop a plan for controlling weapons in the area north of the Litani River. The request, made during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, aims to prepare a comprehensive strategy for the region, to be presented and discussed next February. The decision faced opposition from the two ministers representing Hezbollah in the government.
Earlier on Thursday, the Lebanese Army announced the successful completion of the first phase of its plan to centralize weapons control in the state within the area south of the Litani River. This announcement was met with support and praise from President Joseph Aoun, as well as the Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament. However, skepticism was voiced from Israeli officials.
In a statement, the army clarified that the weapons control plan has entered an advanced stage, following the successful completion of the initial phase. This phase focused on establishing control over territories south of the Litani River, excluding areas under Israeli occupation.
The army further stated that operations in southern Lebanon are ongoing to address unexploded ordnance and tunnels. Efforts are also underway to prevent what the army described as “armed groups” from rebuilding their capabilities. Simultaneously, the army emphasized that continued Israeli aggression, the occupation of Lebanese territories, and ongoing violations negatively impact the state’s ability to extend its authority and centralize weapons control.
In defiance of the ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to occupy five hills in southern Lebanon, seized during the last war with Hezbollah. This is in addition to other Lebanese border areas that have been under Israeli occupation for decades.
The Lebanese government approved a plan last August to centralize weapons control in the state, including Hezbollah’s weapons. Hezbollah has vehemently rejected the disarmament demand, arguing that it weakens Lebanon in the face of Israeli threats and calling for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from occupied Lebanese territories.
In response to the Lebanese army’s statement, Israel expressed skepticism. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the actions taken by the Lebanese government and army were “an encouraging start, but insufficient.” Israeli Channel 12 quoted sources within the Israeli army as saying that “Hezbollah is still present south of the Litani River.”
