Lebanon Grapples with Disarming Hezbollah, Preparing for UNIFIL Withdrawal
Lebanon is moving forward with a plan to extend state authority and disarm militant groups, including Hezbollah, particularly in areas north of the Litani River. The government is expected to finalize details of the second phase of this plan next week, according to Lebanese officials.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during a visit to Beirut on Friday, emphasized the necessity of equipping the Lebanese army to take on this challenging task. “The first step to fulfil this mission is to give the Lebanese Armed Forces the means to continue the work of disarming Hezbollah,” Barrot told AFP. He reiterated France’s vision for Lebanon as a “strong, sovereign state holding a monopoly on arms.”
The push for disarmament comes after a ceasefire agreement in November 2024 concluded the latest conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. While the agreement itself is vague regarding the treatment of Hezbollah’s weaponry and facilities north of the Litani River, a diplomatic source noted a “window for progress” exists, citing a perceived weakening of the Iran-backed group and, potentially, the Iranian regime itself.
Simultaneously, Lebanon is preparing for the withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate is set to expire at the end of this year. Barrot stated that the Lebanese army should “replace” UNIFIL “when the time comes for the withdrawal,” and that preparations for a “post-UNIFIL” stage are now underway. The UN Security Council decided last year to conclude UNIFIL’s decades-long role as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon, following requests from the US and Israel.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has reportedly affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to disarming groups in the north and discussions are focused on securing simultaneous statements from both domestic and international stakeholders confirming the area south of the Litani River is weapon-free. This coordinated messaging is seen as crucial for the success of the broader disarmament plan.
The timing of these developments coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. Talks between Iran and the United States in Oman on Friday were described as a “critical chance” to avert further escalation, although Iran maintained the discussions centered solely on its nuclear program, while the US sought to address Tehran’s support for militant groups in the region.
The Lebanese military began the first phase of the weapons-restriction plan in January , but the implementation of the second phase, and the full disarmament of groups like Hezbollah, remains a significant undertaking. The success of this effort hinges on providing the Lebanese army with the necessary resources and political support to assert state control over all territory and weaponry within its borders.
The situation is further complicated by the regional context, described as “sensitive” by a French diplomatic source. The potential for escalation remains, and the international community is closely monitoring Lebanon’s progress towards achieving a monopoly on arms for the state.
