Lebanese army disarms 80% of Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon

The situation in southern Lebanon has notably shifted, as the Lebanese army has engaged in efforts to dismantle forces associated with Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. This action has been reinforced through cooperation with Israel, involving the sharing of intelligence to identify and locate Hezbollah's operational infrastructure. The move comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement brokered by France and the Biden administration last November, which sought to ensure that the Lebanese armed forces would take control of the region following Israel's gradual withdrawal. Under the deal, it was mandated that Hezbollah would cease operations south of the Litani River, allowing for the establishment of Lebanese sovereignty across the territory. Despite concerns from Israeli officials regarding the progress of Lebanon in implementing the ceasefire conditions, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam indicated that substantial progress has been made, reporting that 80% of the objectives pertaining to disarming Hezbollah in the area had been achieved. This achievement can be attributed to the support of U.S. officials, who have acted as intermediaries in the collaboration between the Israeli and Lebanese militaries, facilitating the transfer of crucial intelligence that strengthens the Lebanese army's operational capabilities. Since the cooperation has been largely indirect, the ongoing developments signal significant changes within the dynamics of power in southern Lebanon. Following a series of successful operations using Israeli intel, the Lebanese army has reportedly confiscated large quantities of weapons, reflecting its effectiveness in this disarming campaign. Some recovered arms have been retained while others have been destroyed, enhancing the army's security posture and serving to address the threats posed by various militias, including those supported by Palestine, which had the potential to ignite further conflict with Israel. Moreover, this undertone of progress has seen approval from Israeli military authorities who recognize that the Lebanese army has surpassed expectations in its efforts. The anticipation is that as Lebanon continues to take decisive action against Hezbollah and enforce the ceasefire terms, stability in the northern border region may be achieved, potentially averting scenarios that may lead to renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The substantial measures taken by the Lebanese government are critical to reasserting the central authority of the state over its territories, ensuring that no groups operate independently within Southern Lebanon without government oversight.