Progress Report on Hezbollah Disarmament and Ceasefire Challenges in Southern Lebanon

The disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is reportedly progressing well, according to a French military briefing. However, there are significant challenges, including difficulties in documenting ceasefire violations, caused by ambiguous agreement terms. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, the Lebanese army still requires a substantial increase in personnel to effectively manage security and facilitate civilian returns.

According to a French military briefing, the disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is reportedly making “good progress.” However, challenges remain in documenting violations of the ceasefire initiated by the U.S. and France in November, which mandates Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned Lebanese group and political party, to disarm starting from the Litani River region.

The French military has collaborated with a committee monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Brigadier General Guillaume Ponchin noted the difficulties in documenting ceasefire violations due to ambiguities within the agreement. Confusion persists on whether disarmament applies solely to southern Lebanon or the entire country.

Israel has faced accusations from Lebanon regarding multiple ceasefire violations, including an incident that resulted in the deaths of 22 Lebanese citizens. This committee lacks the military authority to intervene directly in these violations, relying instead on a separate UN mechanism for reporting issues to the UN Security Council.

Brigadier General Ponchin articulated the complexities of defining violations, stating that circumstances vary based on each party’s interpretation of the agreement. The priorities of the ceasefire supervision committee include preventing a resurgence of hostilities and facilitating the return of displaced Lebanese civilians with the aid of the Lebanese army.

Civilians displaced during the extensive conflict, wherein Hezbollah’s leadership sustained significant losses, demand attention. Recent military briefings utilized color-coded maps illustrating areas of influence under the ceasefire. The withdrawal process of Hezbollah is being documented using various methods, including photographs and geolocation data.

Brigadier General Ponchin conveyed the intricate protocols established for addressing ceasefire breaches. He mentioned coordination between the committee and both Lebanese and Israeli forces, while emphasizing that the U.S. and France serve as intermediaries without dictating the veracity of complaints.

Despite facing frustrations regarding the public interpretation of the ceasefire agreement, Brigadier General Ponchin affirmed its open-ended nature. While Israel previously indicated an intention to withdraw its troops by a specified date, it has opted to maintain a presence at vital positions, citing security concerns.

Brigadier General Ponchin reiterated that disarmament rates have seen progress, albeit without providing specific metrics. Moreover, he indicated that Lebanon requires up to 10,000 soldiers to ensure effective deployment in the south, revealing a current shortfall in troops despite ongoing recruitment efforts.

In a politically sensitive context, Brigadier General Ponchin acknowledged communication with Israeli counterparts regarding ceasefire mechanisms. He emphasized France’s proposal for an enhanced peacekeeping presence, which has yet to gain traction with Israeli authorities. The dire state of the Lebanese army poses a significant obstacle, underlining the urgency for the military to build public confidence while addressing ongoing security challenges.

In summary, the French military’s assessment suggests that while Hezbollah’s disarmament in southern Lebanon is advancing, the documentation of ceasefire violations remains problematic due to ambiguous terms within the agreement. The ceasefire monitoring committee faces challenges to enforce compliance, with accusations of violations complicating matters. As Lebanon endeavors to stabilize the region and manage the return of displaced civilians, the Lebanese army’s capabilities will prove crucial amid ongoing security concerns.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com