Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group will not disarm, arguing that calls for disarmament serve only Israel. The U.S. is reportedly pressuring Lebanon to formally commit to disarming Hezbollah before talks can resume regarding a halt to Israeli military operations, which are ongoing despite a ceasefire agreement. Qassem accused the U.S. of demanding the removal of Hezbollah’s missiles and drones, insisting that Israel must cease its strikes and withdraw from occupied positions before discussing the group’s weapons. A Lebanese cabinet meeting is scheduled to discuss extending state sovereignty and ceasefire arrangements, potentially including proposals from the U.S. envoy regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament.
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Irish peacekeepers in southern Lebanon came under fire from small arms during a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces near the Blue Line. No injuries or damage resulted, and the patrol withdrew from the area. The Irish government strongly condemned the attack, deeming it unacceptable and intimidatory, and the Irish Defence Forces reiterated their commitment to maintaining stability in the region. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by peacekeepers in this volatile area.
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In a recent interview, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that his government will not cooperate with Iran and that any peace with Israel must be genuine and address Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories. He further emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to peace while highlighting the presence of uncontrolled weaponry within the country. Conversely, Hezbollah, reiterated its unwavering resistance against Israel, demanding Israeli withdrawal and the fulfillment of prior agreements before considering further negotiations. Salam’s appointment, viewed as a setback for Hezbollah, underscores the ongoing tensions between the Lebanese government and the Iran-backed group.
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Following a crackdown by Lebanon’s new government, dozens of Beirut airport staff with Hezbollah ties have been dismissed, and smuggling has decreased significantly. This enforcement of existing laws has led to numerous arrests and increased scrutiny of all flights, including a suspension of flights from Iran since February. While Hezbollah acknowledges some successes in disarmament efforts, both US and Israeli officials express cautious optimism, noting that further action is needed to fully curtail Hezbollah’s influence at Lebanese ports. The changes mark a significant shift, with even Hezbollah representatives admitting to a change in circumstance.
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Following a November ceasefire, the Lebanese army has dismantled over 90 percent of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River, a key component of a UN-brokered deal. This progress, confirmed by a security official and President Aoun, sees the army controlling over 85 percent of the south, with Hezbollah reportedly cooperating in the process. However, Israel’s continued occupation of five border positions remains an obstacle to full deployment. The army has also secured crossing points to prevent weapons transfers.
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Lebanon has formed its first fully functioning government since 2022, a significant event following the unusually direct involvement of the United States. This new government marks a notable shift in the political landscape, particularly concerning the influence of Hezbollah.
The US played a substantial role in shaping the new government, actively working to limit Hezbollah’s power. This intervention was partly motivated by a desire to facilitate Lebanon’s access to reconstruction funds following the recent conflict with Israel. The US explicitly stated that Hezbollah’s substantial involvement in the cabinet was a “red line,” highlighting the degree of American influence and the strategic implications of this government formation.… Continue reading
Over 100 Hezbollah and other militant group weapons caches have been discovered by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, located within close proximity to UN peacekeepers. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement mandating Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment, Israeli military operations, including airstrikes and demolitions, continue. Hezbollah has threatened renewed attacks if Israeli forces do not fully withdraw within the stipulated timeframe. The United States, a broker of the ceasefire, has urged Israel to avoid actions that could jeopardize the agreement.
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Following a prolonged political deadlock, Lebanon elected army chief Joseph Aoun as its new president, ending a two-year vacancy. Aoun’s election, facilitated by US and Saudi support, marks a shift away from Iran-backed Hezbollah’s influence. In his inaugural address, Aoun pledged to address Lebanon’s multifaceted crises and to establish the state’s monopoly on weapons, directly challenging Hezbollah’s military power. This comes amidst Hezbollah’s weakened position following a recent conflict with Israel and the subsequent ceasefire agreement. Aoun’s presidency signals a potential realignment of power dynamics within Lebanon.
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Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa declared victory over Israel following a recent conflict, asserting the group’s strength and unwavering resolve despite the IDF’s incursion into southern Lebanon. Safa highlighted Hezbollah’s ability to “force” a ceasefire and cited a perceived sense of insecurity within Israel as evidence of their success. However, this assertion was met with widespread criticism, with social media users accusing Safa of hypocrisy and highlighting Lebanon’s current dire situation as contradictory to his claims of victory. Critics pointed to the significant damage inflicted on Hezbollah and Lebanon as refutation of his statements.
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A senior Hezbollah official revealed that Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023, while in the group’s war operations room. Nasrallah’s death ignited a two-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, culminating in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November. The ceasefire agreement mandates Hezbollah’s relocation of forces and infrastructure, Israeli troop withdrawal, and increased Lebanese military presence in southern Lebanon. However, tensions remain, with Hezbollah issuing threats of further action if Israel does not fully comply with the terms of the agreement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood