Lebanon's Army Faces Challenges in Disarming Hezbollah Amid Political Tensions

Lebanon's military is under pressure to meet a year-end deadline to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement with Israel reached in November 2024. This operation marks a significant shift in Lebanon's internal power dynamics, as the army embarks on a task that would have been unthinkable during Hezbollah's peak influence. The Lebanese army has reportedly depleted its explosives while destroying numerous Hezbollah arms caches, leading to a temporary halt in destruction efforts until new supplies arrive from the United States.

Lebanon’s Army Runs Out of Explosives as It Races to Disarm HezbollahReutersi24NEWS

The ceasefire agreement mandates that only state security forces should bear arms in Lebanon, effectively requiring the disarmament of Hezbollah. While Hezbollah has publicly committed to the ceasefire, it has not signed it and insists that disarmament applies only to the southern region. The Lebanese government has adopted a five-phase plan to enforce state control over arms, starting in the south and gradually moving north. However, the army's ability to expand operations beyond the south is complicated by the need for political consensus, as any unilateral action could provoke civil unrest among Hezbollah's supporters.

ReutersLebanon’s Army Runs Out of Explosives as It Races to Disarm HezbollahCarnegie Endowment for International Peace

Hezbollah has not actively opposed the army's inspections in the south but has made it clear that it will not relinquish its weapons outside this area without a political settlement. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's secretary general, described the army's approach as balanced but cautioned against potential clashes with the Shi'ite community. The group has indicated that the fate of its arsenal is contingent upon the cessation of Israeli aggression and the return of prisoners.

Reuters

The United States has been a key player in pressuring Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, providing significant military aid and equipment to support the Lebanese army's efforts. U.S. officials have expressed skepticism regarding the Lebanese government's claims about the feasibility of disarmament, with some suggesting that failure to act could lead to Israeli military intervention. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack's upcoming visit to Beirut is seen as a critical moment for Lebanon to demonstrate progress in disarming Hezbollah.

i24NEWSReutersLebanon’s Army Runs Out of Explosives as It Races to Disarm Hezbollah

While the Lebanese army has uncovered nine arms caches and sealed off numerous tunnels, the lack of intelligence on Hezbollah's stockpiles complicates efforts. Israeli military actions, including cross-border fire incidents, have further hindered the army's operations. Observers are divided on the likelihood of a new conflict, with some suggesting that Israel may be preparing for military action, while others argue that the current situation allows Israel to maintain control without escalating into war.

Lebanon’s Army Runs Out of Explosives as It Races to Disarm Hezbollah

The Lebanese army's disarmament campaign against Hezbollah is a complex endeavor fraught with political and military challenges. As the deadline approaches, the army must navigate the delicate balance between fulfilling international demands and avoiding sectarian tensions that could destabilize the country. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for Lebanon's sovereignty and the broader regional landscape.

Lebanon’s Army Runs Out of Explosives as It Races to Disarm Hezbollah