BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The Lebanese Army said Thursday that it has completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, pledging to prevent the area from being used as a launching ground for any military actions -- a move Israel described as "encouraging," but insufficient.
Army Commander Gen. Rodolph Haykal presented a report to the Lebanese Cabinet on the progress made in disarming Iran-backed Hezbollah, confirming that his plan to confine weapons has entered "an advanced stage."
Haykal said the Army has established "operational control" over the area stretching from south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon to the Israeli border, except for sites still under Israeli occupation.
The Army report indicated that Israel's continued aggressions on Lebanese territory -- including the occupation of positions that restrict access to certain areas, the establishment of buffer zones and daily violations of the November 27, 2024, cease-fire agreement -- "negatively affect the completion of the required tasks" and hinder the extension of state authority.
It affirmed the Army's full commitment to assuming and exercising "exclusive responsibility" for maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, particularly in the area south of the Litani River and along the southern border with Israel, ensuring that these areas "are not used for any military actions."
