Beorut, Jan 9: The Lebanese military announced it has completed the first phase of its plan to deploy across southern Lebanon and disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah, following the U.S.-brokered 2024 ceasefire with Israel. The army has been clearing tunnels, rocket positions, and other structures south of the Litani River, with plans to move next to areas between the Litani and Awali Rivers, including Sidon. President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and top officials have endorsed the military’s efforts, calling for Israel to halt strikes and withdraw from occupied areas. Israel, however, maintains Hezbollah is still rearming and says Lebanon’s efforts are insufficient. The Lebanese army is gradually expanding control along the southern border, while confiscating weapons from Palestinian factions in refugee camps. Hezbollah claims cooperation in the south but resists broader disarmament until Israel stops attacks. Disarming militias is seen as key to security, reconstruction funding, and preventing renewed conflict after the devastating 2024 war with Israel.Beorut, Jan 9: The Lebanese military announced it has completed the first phase of its plan to deploy across southern Lebanon and disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah, following the U.S.-brokered 2024 ceasefire with Israel. The army has been clearing tunnels, rocket positions, and other structures south of the Litani River, with plans to move next to areas between the Litani and Awali Rivers, including Sidon. President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and top officials have endorsed the military’s efforts, calling for Israel to halt strikes and withdraw from occupied areas. Israel, however, maintains Hezbollah is still rearming and says Lebanon’s efforts are insufficient. The Lebanese army is gradually expanding control along the southern border, while confiscating weapons from Palestinian factions in refugee camps. Hezbollah claims cooperation in the south but resists broader disarmament until Israel stops attacks. Disarming militias is seen as key to security, reconstruction funding, and preventing renewed conflict after the devastating 2024 war with Israel.