The Lebanese cabinet, led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, will convene in Beirut on Wednesday to discuss significant national security measures, including a potential recruitment drive for 1,500 soldiers to be deployed to southern Lebanon.
The Grand Serail, also known as the Government Palace, is one of Beirut's most iconic buildings and serves as the headquarters of Lebanon's Prime Minister © Mena Today
The Lebanese cabinet, led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, will convene in Beirut on Wednesday to discuss significant national security measures, including a potential recruitment drive for 1,500 soldiers to be deployed to southern Lebanon.
This initiative comes amidst heightened tensions along the border with Israel and increased regional pressure to establish peace in the area.
The deployment plan aligns with the directives of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which outlines a framework for stability in the region. Following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, thousands of Lebanese soldiers are expected to move into positions in the south, replacing the Shiite militia forces that currently operate there.
Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, seeks to establish a demilitarized zone along the Lebanon-Israel border. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from a 30-kilometer buffer zone extending from the Litani River to the border.
In this designated area, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) personnel would maintain a security presence, effectively keeping Hezbollah at a distance from Israeli territory.
The second and more ambitious phase of Resolution 1701 and 1559 calls for the total disarmament of Hezbollah. This step remains a significant point of contention, as Hezbollah and its primary ally, Iran, have so far rejected any disarmament discussions.
Despite international pressure and Lebanon’s efforts toward sovereignty in the south, the organization insists on maintaining its arms, citing the need to defend against Israeli aggression.
While the Lebanese government pushes for a more stable security environment, Hezbollah’s resistance to disarmament poses ongoing challenges.
Both the Lebanese government and the international community face a delicate balancing act, with local and regional implications. Any move to disarm Hezbollah would require broader diplomatic efforts, given Iran’s backing and the organization’s deep-rooted influence within Lebanon.
Prime Minister Mikati’s proposed recruitment of 1,500 soldiers, if approved, could mark an initial step toward reasserting Lebanese state control in the south.
By Antoine Khoury
Iran flew Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers and missile- and drone-related equipment into Yemen this month, according to four sources, in a move that suggests Tehran is seeking to strengthen the ability of its Houthi allies to threaten Red Sea shipping.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that a civilian nuclear cooperation deal signed with Saudi Arabia a day earlier is "totally subject" to the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, adding a significant condition that was not part of the original agreement as announced.
Two Israeli banks will halt working with their Palestinian counterparts in the coming months citing risks of associating with possible terrorism financing and money laundering, Israeli officials said, fuelling concerns of a Palestinian economic crisis.
To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.