Hezbollah Disarmament Progress Reported Amid Challenges in Lebanon’s South

The French military has indicated that the disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is progressing well, but challenges in documenting ceasefire violations remain. Ambiguities in the ceasefire agreement complicate enforcement. The Lebanese army is working to restore security amidst ongoing military tensions, while discussions about the replacement of Israeli forces with UN peacekeepers continue.

The French military reported on Thursday that disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is progressing positively, although the documentation of ceasefire violations remains challenging. Under the ceasefire agreement established by the United States and France in November, Hezbollah is expected to disarm, focusing on areas south of the Litani River. French Brigadier General Guillaume Ponchin highlighted that while progress is being made, ambiguities in the ceasefire terms complicate the situation, hampering clear documentation of violations.

The committee responsible for overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has faced difficulties due to vague language in the official agreement. For instance, differing interpretations exist regarding the geographical scope of Hezbollah’s disarmament, leading to varied responses from stakeholders. Meanwhile, Lebanon has accused Israel of multiple breaches, including violent incidents leading to civilian fatalities. The committee lacks military authority to intervene in these violations, relying instead on a separate United Nations mechanism.

General Ponchin expressed frustration over the misinterpretation of the ceasefire agreement in public forums, asserting that the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals is unrelated to the ongoing nature of the ceasefire. He emphasized the ceasefire’s permanence until officially challenged and clarified that interpretations and speculations regarding withdrawal dates complicate discussions. Regarding the military presence in southern Lebanon, he noted the need for an adequate Lebanese army deployment once Hezbollah disarms.

Despite significant challenges, Brigadier General Ponchin acknowledged the Lebanese army’s efforts, with over 1,500 additional troops recruited, although 4,000 more are necessary. The complex communication framework among international representatives allows for coordination and feedback on military movements. Additionally, recent discussions suggest replacing Israeli forces with United Nations peacekeepers, though Israel has yet to agree to this proposal.

Ultimately, the Lebanese military is tasked with creating a secure environment for displaced civilians wishing to return home. Brigadier General Ponchin reiterated the importance of restoring trust in the armed forces as they work toward stabilizing the region amidst ongoing concerns about security and military presence.

In summary, the disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is reportedly progressing well, though challenges in documenting violations persist due to ambiguous ceasefire terms. The Lebanese army is striving to establish order and security for returning civilians, amid complex international oversight. The situation remains fluid, with continued dialogue necessary to address military presence and rebuild trust in the armed forces.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com