Lebanese Army Completes Initial Phase of Weapons Control Plan
1/8/2026 8:45:00 AM
In accordance with the Lebanese Cabinet's decision of August 5, 2025, the Lebanese Army has reaffirmed its full commitment to maintaining exclusive responsibility for ensuring security and stability throughout Lebanon, alongside other security agencies. This includes key areas south of the Litani River. This commitment aligns with the Army's constitutional and legal obligations and is in line with international resolutions, aimed at restoring security to Lebanon's southern borders and preventing their use for any military operations. It is part of Lebanon’s decision to assert full authority over its entire territory, utilizing only its own forces.
The Army’s plan for the disarmament of armed groups has entered an advanced stage after successfully achieving the objectives of the first phase. This phase focused on expanding the Army's operational presence, securing vital regions, and establishing control over areas under its jurisdiction in the southern Litani sector, with the exception of those still occupied by Israel.
Work continues in the region to address unexploded ordnance, dismantle tunnels, and handle requests for action (RFAs) to consolidate control and prevent armed groups from rebuilding their capabilities in a permanent and irreversible manner.
A comprehensive evaluation of the first phase of the "Homeland Shield" plan will be conducted to inform the next stages of the operation.
The Army also highlighted the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese territory, including the occupation of several sites and the establishment of buffer zones that restrict access to certain areas. These actions, alongside daily breaches of the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement, are undermining the accomplishment of key tasks, particularly in neighboring regions, and affecting Lebanon's ability to assert its authority and restrict weapons to its armed forces.
Delays in the delivery of promised military resources have also impacted the Army's ability to meet operational targets efficiently.
These challenges require urgent and focused action, as they are critical to enabling the Army to complete its mission as planned; responsibly, gradually, and in coordination with Lebanon’s national interests to protect sovereignty and stability.
The Army reaffirmed its ongoing coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, which contribute to stability in the southern Litani region. The Lebanese Army also expressed gratitude to the countries participating in UNIFIL, as well as to the American and French teams working within the ceasefire mechanism.
In conclusion, the Lebanese Army commended the awareness and cooperation of the southern Lebanese population, whose commitment to security and stability was a key factor in the successful implementation of the first phase of the plan. This collaboration reflects the deep mutual trust between citizens and the military institution.
The Army Command also extended its appreciation to the military personnel for their exceptional efforts and sacrifices, noting that their unwavering determination and belief in their national duty played a crucial role in the success of the mission, despite the difficult working conditions and significant risks involved, including threats from landmines, explosives, and Israeli aggression.
The Army’s plan for the disarmament of armed groups has entered an advanced stage after successfully achieving the objectives of the first phase. This phase focused on expanding the Army's operational presence, securing vital regions, and establishing control over areas under its jurisdiction in the southern Litani sector, with the exception of those still occupied by Israel.
Work continues in the region to address unexploded ordnance, dismantle tunnels, and handle requests for action (RFAs) to consolidate control and prevent armed groups from rebuilding their capabilities in a permanent and irreversible manner.
A comprehensive evaluation of the first phase of the "Homeland Shield" plan will be conducted to inform the next stages of the operation.
The Army also highlighted the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese territory, including the occupation of several sites and the establishment of buffer zones that restrict access to certain areas. These actions, alongside daily breaches of the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement, are undermining the accomplishment of key tasks, particularly in neighboring regions, and affecting Lebanon's ability to assert its authority and restrict weapons to its armed forces.
Delays in the delivery of promised military resources have also impacted the Army's ability to meet operational targets efficiently.
These challenges require urgent and focused action, as they are critical to enabling the Army to complete its mission as planned; responsibly, gradually, and in coordination with Lebanon’s national interests to protect sovereignty and stability.
The Army reaffirmed its ongoing coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, which contribute to stability in the southern Litani region. The Lebanese Army also expressed gratitude to the countries participating in UNIFIL, as well as to the American and French teams working within the ceasefire mechanism.
In conclusion, the Lebanese Army commended the awareness and cooperation of the southern Lebanese population, whose commitment to security and stability was a key factor in the successful implementation of the first phase of the plan. This collaboration reflects the deep mutual trust between citizens and the military institution.
The Army Command also extended its appreciation to the military personnel for their exceptional efforts and sacrifices, noting that their unwavering determination and belief in their national duty played a crucial role in the success of the mission, despite the difficult working conditions and significant risks involved, including threats from landmines, explosives, and Israeli aggression.