Western and Arab diplomats, including the U.S. and Saudi ambassadors, toured a contested stretch of the Lebanon‑Israel border on Monday, accompanied by Gen. Rodolph Haikal, commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and senior border officers.
Key objectives of the tour
The delegation was taken to an army post that overlooks one of five hills inside Lebanon captured by Israeli forces last year. The visit was intended to demonstrate the Lebanese army’s commitment to the cease‑fire agreement that ended the Israel‑Hezbollah war in November 2024 and to underline the military’s goal of guaranteeing stability along the frontier.
Lebanese government’s timetable
Beirut has announced that, by the end of the calendar year, the army should have cleared the entire border area south of the Litani River of Hezbollah’s armed presence. Hezbollah’s leader Naim Kassem reiterated that the group will withdraw its fighters from south of the Litani, while insisting it will retain weapons elsewhere in Lebanon.
Background to the conflict
The latest Israel‑Hezbollah war began on Oct. 8 2023, a day after a Hamas attack on southern Israel, and featured a broad Israeli bombardment of Lebanon in September followed by a ground invasion that severely weakened Hezbollah. The conflict concluded with a U.S‑brokered cease‑fire in November 2024.
Since the cease‑fire, Israel has conducted almost daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah members, and the United Nations office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports 127 civilian deaths. The Israeli military said it killed three Hezbollah members in strikes on southern Lebanon on Sunday.
Potential next steps
Haikal is slated to travel to France this week for a meeting with U.S., French and Saudi officials, where discussions will likely focus on how to bolster the Lebanese army’s ability to complete the border clearance. If additional assistance materializes, the army could accelerate the removal of Hezbollah forces south of the Litani, which may further stabilize the frontier.
Conversely, if diplomatic pressure intensifies without accompanying support, Lebanon could struggle to meet its year‑end timetable, leaving pockets of armed Hezbollah near the border and preserving the risk of renewed cross‑border incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the diplomats’ tour of the border area?
The tour was meant to show the Lebanese army’s commitment to the cease‑fire agreement, to demonstrate progress in clearing Hezbollah’s armed presence, and to assure international partners of Lebanon’s stability efforts.
What deadline has Lebanon set for removing Hezbollah fighters from the south?
Lebanon’s government says the army should have cleared all of the border area south of the Litani River of Hezbollah’s armed presence by the end of the year.
How has the United States responded to Lebanon’s disarmament efforts?
In recent weeks the United States has increased pressure on Lebanon to work harder on disarming Hezbollah, canceled a planned trip to Washington by Gen. Haikal, and expressed anger over a Lebanese army statement that blamed Israel for destabilizing the country.
How do you think these diplomatic efforts will shape Lebanon’s security landscape in the coming months?
