The Lebanese government announced Monday that the army will need at least four months to implement the second phase of a plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The announcement comes as Lebanon navigates a delicate political landscape following a year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended with a ceasefire in November 2024. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued to conduct strikes and maintain a presence in strategic areas of southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah emerged weakened from the war with Israel. In August, the Lebanese government approved a plan to disarm the group, tasking the Lebanese army with its implementation, which began the following month.
Earlier this year, on January 1, the Lebanese army announced the completion of the first phase of the plan, covering areas south of the Litani River, approximately 19 miles from the southern border with Israel. However, Israel has expressed skepticism about the move, deeming it insufficient and continuing strikes it says are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Marqes told reporters after a cabinet session that the council of ministers had “taken note of the army leadership’s monthly report on the plan to restrict weapons in all Lebanese regions in implementation of the Council of Ministers’ decision” to disarm Hezbollah.
“If the same facilitating factors are available, there is a time period of four months, extendable depending on the available capabilities, Israeli attacks, and field obstacles,” Marqes added.
The Lebanese army’s plan consists of five phases. The second phase covers the area extending from north of the Litani River to the Awali River, which flows north of Sidon, located about 37 miles from the border and 25 miles south of Beirut.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naeem Qassem, in a speech Monday, criticized the government’s focus on disarmament, calling it “a major mistake because this issue achieves the goals of Israeli aggression,” according to reports.
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