The Lebanese military says it has ended the first phase of its plan to deploy across southern Lebanon and disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. The move follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended a war with Israel in November 2024. Israel said it was encouraging but far from sufficient. Israel still conducts strikes and occupies strategic points along the border, complicating efforts. Lebanon hopes disarming Hezbollah will attract investment and aid for reconstruction. Hezbollah remains politically influential and is cooperating with the army but resists full disarmament.
