Lebanese Army Advances Disarmament Plan, Focuses on South Litani Region
The Lebanese army is moving forward with a phased plan to disarm non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, with a primary focus on the area south of the Litani River. This development marks a new phase in the country’s efforts to assert state control over its territory and address longstanding concerns about armed groups operating outside the authority of the government.
According to a statement released by the Lebanese military on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the plan to restrict weapons has entered an “advanced stage” after successfully achieving the goals of its initial phase. The statement, as reported by the Associated Press, did not detail the specifics of the first phase, but indicated tangible progress on the ground.
The move comes after years of pressure from the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, which fought a 14-month war with Israel and has been weakened in recent conflicts. U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack reportedly called for a more decisive policy to disarm the Iran-backed group during a visit in July 2025, according to the AP. The Lebanese government formally requested the army prepare a plan to monopolize weapons within the country on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, aiming for completion by the end of that year.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the government’s request after a nearly six-hour cabinet meeting. At the same time, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem rejected calls for disarmament, warning of renewed missile attacks on Israel if military operations against the group intensified. This underscores the significant challenges facing the Lebanese government as it attempts to implement the disarmament plan.
The current phase concentrates on the region south of the Litani River, with the aim of establishing a stronger state presence throughout Lebanese territory. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated on Friday that the state will begin disarming southern Lebanon, particularly the south Litani region, to achieve this goal.
The army’s plan, as revealed in September 2025, reportedly begins with ongoing operations south of the Litani River and will then expand into the area between the Litani and Awali rivers. The specifics of how the disarmament will be carried out remain largely undisclosed, but the government’s commitment to the plan signals a significant shift in policy.
The push for disarmament is occurring amidst fears of another potential conflict with Israel. Prime Minister Salam indicated on Saturday that the first phase of the army-backed plan to disarm south Lebanon was “days away” from completion before moving onto the second phase. This timeline suggests a sense of urgency driven by regional instability and external pressures.
The success of the disarmament plan hinges on the Lebanese army’s ability to effectively assert its authority and address the complex political and security dynamics within the country. The resistance from groups like Hezbollah, as evidenced by Naim Kassem’s statement, presents a major obstacle. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Lebanon can achieve its goal of monopolizing the use of force and establishing full sovereignty over its territory.
