Lebanon claimed progress in disarming militant groups. The Lebanese military announced Thursday it completed the first phase of its disarmament plan. This plan is part of the agreement that ended Israel's war with Hezbollah.
The announcement comes over a year after the fragile US-brokered ceasefire. The Lebanese government faces intense pressure to disarm groups like Hezbollah, as stipulated in the truce. While the military statement avoided directly naming Hezbollah, Israeli and US officials have voiced concerns. They warned of potential Israeli military action if disarmament progress stalls.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office called the disarmament an "encouraging beginning." However, they stated it was "far from sufficient." Israel continues to allege Hezbollah is rearming. The Israeli Foreign Ministry asserted extensive Hezbollah military infrastructure remains in southern Lebanon. They accuse the group of reconstituting with Iranian support.
The war between Israel and Hezbollah devastated Lebanon. The truce aimed to establish lasting peace. Disarmament is a key condition of the agreement.
The next phase of the disarmament plan remains unclear. International pressure on Lebanon to fully implement the ceasefire terms is expected to continue. The situation remains tense.
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