Hezbollah Warns Lebanese Army of Military Resistance to Disarmament Efforts Including in Beirut

A pilot agreement between Israel and Lebanon has commenced, with the Lebanese army deployed in areas previously held by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) near the southern border. This deployment is part of a phased process where the Lebanese army will gradually assume security responsibility in these zones, contingent on the disarmament of all non-state armed groups, primarily Hezbollah.

Israeli security officials assess that Hezbollah intends to militarily oppose any attempt by the Lebanese army to disarm it, including potential threats to seize government institutions in Beirut. Despite the pilot's initiation, a major dispute remains between Israel and Lebanon: Israel demands that the Lebanese army dismantle Hezbollah's terror infrastructure even on private property, a demand the Lebanese army resists.

The pilot area currently includes two villages beyond the so-called "Blue Line" where the IDF had previously operated but did not maintain control since the agreement's start. The Lebanese army is expected to clear these areas of Hezbollah weaponry as part of the agreement. However, Israeli sources warn that Hezbollah will likely try to sabotage the deal by force.

The memorandum of understanding, first reported by Israeli media, outlines a mutual and gradual redeployment of the Lebanese army into southern Lebanon, allowing the IDF to reposition outside Lebanese territory. Full Lebanese army control over these areas will only be granted after Hezbollah's disarmament is verified. The ongoing tension highlights the fragile security situation and the challenges in implementing the agreement amid Hezbollah's opposition.