Lebanon’s government, aided by Israeli intelligence, has made substantial progress in dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, a key step in maintaining the fragile cease-fire brokered with Israel in late 2024, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed that roughly 80% of Hezbollah’s weapons caches and positions south of the Litani River have been dismantled. Lebanese forces, supported by Israeli intelligence relayed via the U.S., have confiscated and destroyed arms while asserting control over previously Hezbollah-dominated entry points.

Israeli military officials expressed cautious optimism, noting that the Lebanese Army has exceeded expectations in reclaiming terrain and limiting Hezbollah’s operational reach.

Political Gamble Amid Hezbollah’s Retreat

The campaign is part of a broader push by Salam’s government to centralize armed authority and secure international reconstruction funding. “All over the Lebanese territory, the state should have a monopoly on arms,” Salam said, calling the effort critical to reestablishing Lebanese sovereignty.

Hezbollah has so far cooperated in southern areas, including ceding security control around Beirut’s airport. Analysts believe the group seeks to avoid isolation as Lebanon appeals for Western and Gulf aid, which is conditional on curbing Hezbollah’s influence.