The Lebanese army announced it has taken over security in the south of the country, an area that has been largely controlled by Hezbollah for decades. The move comes amid heightened tensions and fears of a potential escalation of military action by Israel against the Iranian-backed group.

The army stated its objective to clear the area south of the Litani river, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border, of non-state weapons by the end of the year had been achieved in an "effective and tangible way." This initiative was the first phase of a government-backed plan. The army also noted that further work is required to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels in the region.

Lebanon has been under significant international pressure, particularly from the United States, to disarm Hezbollah since a ceasefire agreement in November 2024 ended a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah, a powerful militia and political party, has maintained significant influence in southern Lebanon, providing social services and security in the region, which has often been viewed as a challenge to the Lebanese state's authority.

In response to the Lebanese army's announcement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that efforts toward fully disarming Hezbollah were essential. Israel views Hezbollah as a major security threat, citing its extensive arsenal of rockets and its close ties to Iran.

The disarmament of Hezbollah has been a long-standing demand from various international actors, stemming from concerns about regional stability and the group's military capabilities. However, Hezbollah maintains that its weapons are necessary for the defense of Lebanon against Israeli aggression.

The Lebanese government's plan to assert control over southern Lebanon is seen as a crucial step towards implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon and the establishment of a buffer zone between Lebanon and Israel. The resolution was adopted in 2006 following a previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The current status involves the Lebanese army maintaining its presence in the south, conducting patrols, and working to remove remaining hazards. The next steps are expected to focus on consolidating security gains, addressing the underlying socio-economic issues in the region, and continuing the dialogue with Hezbollah and other political actors to ensure a sustainable and peaceful resolution.