Lebanese army soldiers stand guard at a site that sold heavy machinery, where a large number of vehicles were destroyed in 'Israeli' airstrikes.
Lebanese army expands control south, 'Israel' disputes
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Lebanese army advances plan to disarm southern border region.
- 'Israel' disputes Lebanese army control, warns of potential operation against Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army announced Thursday that its plan to consolidate weapons under state control has entered an advanced stage after completing initial objectives in the area south of the Litani River. 'Israel', however, questioned the report, saying Hezbollah remains present in the same region.
Army Secures South
In a statement, the Lebanese army said it achieved the first phase of its weapons control plan, covering a 30-kilometer stretch to the 'Israeli' border. Operations will continue to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels to prevent armed groups from rebuilding capabilities.
The army said it has operational control over the areas south of the Litani River, excluding territories still under 'Israeli' forces. The statement criticized continued Israeli incursions, saying occupation and military zones obstruct state authority and disarmament efforts.
'Israel' continues to occupy five hills in southern Lebanon captured during the last 'Israeli' war on Lebanon, along with other border areas held for decades. The army did not directly mention Hezbollah, whose one-year war with 'Israel' ended with a 2024 ceasefire restricting armed presence to Lebanese security forces.
Government Review
The Lebanese government will hold a special session Thursday to review the army’s report on the first phase. Army commander Rudolf Heikal will brief officials on implementation progress.
Lebanon’s plan, approved last August, includes consolidating Hezbollah’s weapons. The army welcomed the plan last September, while Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem rejected disarmament, arguing it would weaken Lebanon against 'Israeli' threats and called for 'Israeli' withdrawal from occupied territories.
'Israeli' Response and Tensions
'Israeli' sources told Channel 12 that Hezbollah remains south of the Litani with personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. 'Israel' Hayom cited an 'Israeli' political source rejecting the Lebanese army’s assertion of control. Security officials on Walla said a large-scale operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is only a matter of time.
'Israeli' media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump gave 'Israel' the “green light” to strike Lebanon over Hezbollah’s refusal to surrender arms. The US has not commented.
Ceasefire Oversight
Yesterday, the UN ceasefire oversight committee met in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, including representatives from the US, France, UNIFIL, Lebanon, and 'Israel', amid ongoing southern bombardments and mock raids on Beirut. 'Israel' continues near-daily violations of the November 2024 ceasefire.
