The first phase of the plan to confiscate weapons from Hezbollah south of the Litani River will end in a “few days,” Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a statement on Saturday.
Salam’s remarks were made amid ongoing tensions along Lebanon’s southern border, where Israel says Hezbollah has been ignoring calls for disarmament and committing violations regarding a November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Israel has continued striking Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon while publicly urging authorities in Beirut to fulfill the commitment under the truce to disarm Hezbollah.
It warned that it would act “as necessary” if Lebanon does not take steps against the Iran-aligned proxy terrorist group.
Rubio hopes for Hezbollah disarmament, 'strong' Lebanese gov't
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US hoped negotiations between Lebanese authorities and Israel would lead to a strong Lebanese government and see Hezbollah disarmed.
“We are hopeful that talks between Lebanese authorities and Israelis will create outlines and a way forward that prevents further conflict,” Rubio told a press conference.
A day prior, officials from France, Saudi Arabia, and the US held talks with the head of the Lebanese army in Paris aimed at finalizing a road map to enable a mechanism for Hezbollah’s disarmament.