Tensions Surge in Lebanon
The Lebanese Army Has Failed Lebanon (And Israel)
Amid Lebanon’s government push to disarm Hezbollah and restore national sovereignty, the group quietly rebuilds its arsenal and recruits fighters in the north, signaling that the struggle for control and the risk of regional instability is far from over.
New billboards across Beirut and other Lebanese cities are calling on the public to support the national army, amid a government plan to disarm Hezbollah and restore state sovereignty. One sign reads, “We are all with you, more than ever. We are committed to change,” signaling unprecedented public backing for Lebanon’s armed forces.
The campaign comes weeks after the Lebanese government unveiled an action plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Israel has expressed willingness to reduce military activity in southern Lebanon if tangible steps are taken against the organization.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and former special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack wrote in an op-ed that “disarming Hezbollah is an Israeli security interest, but also an opportunity for Lebanon to regain economic recovery and sovereignty,” noting that bolstering the army and tying investments to measurable progress could pave a “realistic path to regional stability.”
Despite these initiatives, Western intelligence sources tell i24NEWS that Hezbollah is quietly rebuilding, acquiring weapons, and recruiting fighters, with most activity concentrated north of the Litani River, away from Lebanese army deployments.