The Lebanese army is concluding the first phase of a government-mandated plan to collect Hezbollah weapons south of the Litani River, amid mounting operational and logistical pressures in the tense area.

The mission is unfolding alongside a series of diplomatic messages and ongoing Israeli threats, as the government insists the military complete the task amid escalating warnings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and Israeli media.

Security sources told Annahar that the army is operating under difficult conditions but remains committed to carrying out the mission, with officers and soldiers making significant efforts to collect Hezbollah weapons south of the Litani River. The army is also enhancing coordination with UNIFIL, even as Israeli obstruction in several locations complicates its operations across multiple towns.

Meanwhile, international attention is focused on the area, large parts of which Israel has threatened to annex as a border strip, including plans to build an economic city named after U.S. President Donald Trump. Such a move would effectively create a “buffer city” serving Israeli settlements along the border, from An-Naqoura on the coast to towns in the Marjayoun–Hasbaya region.

The Lebanese negotiator has begun steering clear of what is seen as a potential trap, even though the proposal has yet to formally emerge in diplomatic talks. The issue is drawing increasing attention from political parties and parliamentary blocs, particularly within the Amal Movement and Hezbollah. It also reflects deep anxiety among residents of the threatened towns—Shia, Sunni and Christian alike—especially in the western and central sectors, who say they will not relinquish their land or sell it for any financial offer.

In the follow-up communications between officials and relevant parties about the future situation in the south, considerable discussion has emerged about Lebanon’s request, through Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, from U.S. Ambassador Michael Issa to extend the deadline for the Lebanese army to complete its mission in collecting the weapons. Sources indicate that this point will be discussed at the 'Mechanism' meeting with the participation of the American envoy Morgan Ortagus to see what Karam will propose in this matter.