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Lebanese army takes security lead in southern Lebanon
Lebanon's military announced on Friday it had effectively assumed control of the country's south, a region long dominated by the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, amid rising tensions with Israel.
Ceasefire deal triggers security shift
The move follows a November 2024 ceasefire that ended a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the agreement, Lebanon's government pledged to disarm non-state groups south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.
The army declared its initial phase complete, citing progress in clearing the area of unauthorized weapons. However, officials acknowledged ongoing work to remove unexploded ordnance and dismantle tunnels.
Israel demands further action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called the Lebanese army's efforts "an encouraging beginning" but insufficient, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its military infrastructure with Iranian support.
Israel has conducted near-daily airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah-linked targets since the ceasefire, while maintaining at least five positions in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government denies Israel's claims, calling the attacks a violation of the truce and a hindrance to security operations.
Hezbollah's compliance and regional influence
The Lebanese army reported no resistance from Hezbollah during its operations, with the group stating it had withdrawn fighters from the south in compliance with the ceasefire. Palestinian factions, including Hamas, had also previously operated in the area.
Despite these claims, U.S. and Israeli officials have criticized the pace of disarmament. UN peacekeepers (Unifil) say they have seen no evidence of Hezbollah rebuilding infrastructure in areas under its mandate.
Next steps and political challenges
The army's next phase will target the region between the Litani and Awali rivers, including the port city of Sidon, though no timeline has been set. Funding shortages and equipment gaps have hampered progress, according to military officials.
Hezbollah, which retains political and social influence in Lebanon, has rejected calls to disarm north of the Litani. The group's strongholds include Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahieh) and the Bekaa Valley, where it operates hospitals and schools.
"Using force against Hezbollah risks deepening sectarian divisions and sparking violence," warned Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Humanitarian crisis persists
Tens of thousands of residents remain displaced in southern Lebanon, with communities in ruins. International donors have tied reconstruction aid to progress on disarming Hezbollah, complicating recovery efforts.
As tensions simmer, the army's ability to maintain security in the south remains uncertain, with Hezbollah's long-term intentions still unclear.
