Lebanese army says it has taken over security in Hezbollah-dominated south

The Lebanese army announced it has taken over security in southern Lebanon, a region formerly dominated by Hezbollah, amid international pressure to disarm the group following a ceasefire in November 2024. The army aimed to clear the area south of the Litani River of non-state weapons by year-end, stating its objective was achieved effectively, though further work remains. Israel responded by calling the move an encouraging start, but insufficient, alleging Hezbollah is rearming with Iranian support. While the Lebanese army has dismantled infrastructure in the south without resistance, US and Israeli officials have expressed concern over the pace of progress, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding military capabilities. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues attacks on alleged Hezbollah targets and occupies positions in southern Lebanon, actions the Lebanese government condemns as violations.

The Lebanese army announced the completion of the first phase of its plan to disarm non-state groups in southern Lebanon, specifically the area between the Litani River and the Israeli border. The army stated it has established a state monopoly on arms in the area, though it did not mention Hezbollah by name. The announcement comes amid pressure from the US and Israel for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire agreement in 2024. While the army met its self-imposed deadline of the end of 2025 for phase one, it acknowledged the need to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels. The Lebanese government is expected to discuss moving to phase two, which involves disarming groups in the area north of the Litani River.

In January 2026, Lebanon's army commander Rodolphe Haykal will brief the government on the progress of its mission to disarm Hezbollah, a plan initiated in late 2025 under pressure from Israel. The army aimed to bring all weapons under state control, with a self-imposed deadline to complete the first phase by the end of 2025, which involved clearing the area between the Litani River and the southern border with Israel. While the army claims progress, citing tours for journalists and diplomats, Israel asserts that Hezbollah maintains a presence and is rebuilding its capabilities. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon disputes Israel's claim of rebuilt infrastructure. Israel has conducted air strikes north of the Litani River, signaling its impatience with the disarmament process.

Representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the US, France, and the UN are meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon on December 18, 2025, for a second direct meeting to discuss the ceasefire agreement established in November 2024. The talks aim to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, despite ongoing Israeli violations. The committee, chaired by a US general, now includes civilian representatives from both Israel and Lebanon, with Israel pushing for discussions on non-military issues like potential economic cooperation. The meeting occurs amid escalating tensions, with Israel continuing near-daily attacks on Lebanon and threats of expanding the war, despite the agreed ceasefire. Since the ceasefire, over 300 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israel, according to the UN.