
Hezbollah’s accelerated rebuilding efforts risk provoking an Israeli response if Lebanon does not act swiftly, according to Western intelligence sources cited by The Jerusalem Post.
In a report published Tuesday, the Israeli daily highlighted the group’s ongoing efforts to rearm and reconstruct, even as the Lebanese government has officially committed to a disarmament process targeting the militia.
“Hezbollah is rebuilding faster than the Lebanese army is dismantling,” the unnamed officials told the Post, warning that the group's activities – which include weapons stockpiling and recruitment – could undermine recent efforts by the Lebanese government to enforce a disarmament plan announced earlier this year.
Officials reported that Hezbollah has managed to restore a significant portion of its arsenal, particularly rockets, recruit new fighters, and rebuild multiple sites and bases. Most of these operations reportedly occur north of the Litani River, away from the area between the river and the Israeli border, which was meant to remain free of Hezbollah presence or weaponry under the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, 2024.
A Fragile Disarmament Plan
Israeli and foreign sources cited by the newspaper noted that the Lebanese army has begun taking action on the ground, showing a degree of “motivation and willingness” to confront Hezbollah. Yet, these same sources caution that “the road to full disarmament remains long.”
In September, the Lebanese army submitted a five-step disarmament plan to the government aimed at limiting weapons exclusively to the state. According to the plan, disarmament would begin south of the Litani River and gradually extend to the area between the Litani and Awali rivers, then move to Beirut, its suburbs, and surrounding areas, before expanding to the Beqaa Valley and ultimately covering the entire Lebanese territory.
Under the plan, Israel would reduce its military operations in Lebanon and withdraw from five strategic positions it currently occupies. However, the slow pace of disarmament has coincided with an increase in Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions and members.
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