Over 500 Hezbollah installations dismantled in Lebanon

The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam, announced on June 5th that the army has dismantled over 500 Hezbollah military positions and arms depots in southern Lebanon, France 24 reported.

In a televised address marking his first 100 days in office, Salam confirmed that the government continues to implement reforms demanded by the international community. “The state continues its action… to restore its authority over the entire national territory… and to have a monopoly on arms,” he declared.

He emphasised the Lebanese army’s ongoing deployment. He said: “The Lebanese army is continuing its deployment and has so far dismantled more than 500 military positions and arms depots south of the Litani river,” referring to an area roughly 30 kilometres away from the Israeli border.

This comes after Lebanese Foreign Minister, Youssef Raji, emphasised the importance of disarming Hezbollah for Lebanon’s future, The Times of Israel reported on June 3rd. Additionally, Lebanon has made progress to secure its borders after reaching an agreement with Syria in an attempt to restrict Hezbollah, AP reported on March 28th.

A ceasefire agreement signed in November required Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, to withdraw from the region south of the Litani and to dismantle its military infrastructure, the BBC reported on November 26th 2024.

While Hezbollah has begun its withdrawal, Israel still occupies five positions along the border and continues to launch strikes, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters, who suffered heavy losses in the war.

Salam condemned these actions. He stated: “There can be no security or stability while Israel’s daily violations persist, parts of our land remain occupied and our prisoners are not freed.”

He also addressed the issue of Palestinian refugee camps, which operate outside the state’s jurisdiction. The prime minister confirmed that Lebanon intends to disarm these camps as part of a broader effort to reassert state authority and reduce the influence of armed groups operating independently within its borders.

However, the Middle East Eye reported on June 3rd that Hezbollah can still recover after suffering heavy military defeats. Ibrahim Mousawi, an MP from Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc reasoned that the support of the Lebanese people is where Hezbollah can find strength.

Through these measures, the Lebanese government aims to restore control, reduce external interference, and strengthen internal stability.

France 24, BBC, Middle East Eye, The Times of Israel, AP