According to available information, the Lebanese Army plans to announce the completion of the first phase of disarmament in southern Litani region, effectively concluding operations within its geographical scope.

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal is expected to present at the upcoming Paris four-party meeting a report on inspections and confiscations carried out in the region, along with a dossier detailing the military’s needs, in preparation for direct support to the army or through an international conference that Paris has indicated it will convene within the next two months.

The army’s support process hinges not only on French backing, but also on American and Saudi assistance to provide the institution with the necessary resources to carry out government commitments and international resolutions calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias in Lebanon.

Of course, the Lebanese Army and its commander avoid using the term “disarmament,” opting instead for “weapon containment,” as emphasized in President Joseph Aoun’s inauguration speech. This softer terminology reflects the reality that Hezbollah refuses to voluntarily relinquish its arms and does not cooperate with the Lebanese army in southern Litani - unless prompted by Israeli military strikes, which force temporary collaboration. Meanwhile, the army continues to benefit from U.S. protection, preventing Israel from targeting it.

If the intense American pressure applied in recent days on Israel has prevented it from conducting a wide-scale military campaign against Hezbollah, including targeting sites in Beirut's administrative city and other areas, the option of a large-scale military campaign has not been eliminated.

The attack has only been suspended, giving the Lebanese state a chance to regroup and begin more fully implementing its commitments regarding Hezbollah’s weapons and finances, which currently operate beyond the oversight of official Lebanese institutions.

Hence, further official pressure is expected on the Al-Qard Al-Hassan institution, which should be closed permanently rather than repositioned under other names. Additionally, the first phase of disarmament south of the Litani River must be completed by inspecting all suspected locations that Hezbollah might use to hide military assets or serve as immediate or future military sites.

The issue of weapons in the Palestinian refugee camps in the area must be resolved once and for all, without debate.

Regarding the second phase, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, it should include a clearly defined map of the area between the Litani and Awali rivers at the entrance to Sidon City and, contrary to Mitri’s statement, be accompanied by a specific timeline.

Frankly, we do not have much time, and it is unacceptable to play on the time factor, as Hezbollah wishes, allowing it to reach a level that harms the project of reviving the Lebanese state and the rule of law over everyone.
 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar.