The Lebanese army has significantly amplified its presence along the border with Israel in an effort to mitigate Hezbollah's influence in the historically volatile region. Following the cessation of hostilities last November, nearly 10,000 Lebanese troops have been deployed, and efforts to curb smuggling across the Litani River have been intensified.
A tour took journalists through areas where Hezbollah previously maintained a formidable presence, showcasing a shift in control. While Hezbollah claims it has no armed presence south of the Litani, its rejection of disarmament proposals continues to spur tensions, particularly as Israeli forces maintain regular airstrikes in the area.
In response to the Lebanese government's U.S.-backed disarmament vote, the army has discovered weaponry caches and dismantled numerous tunnels. However, ongoing diplomatic and military frictions, coupled with the strategic importance of border territories, underline the complexities of achieving long-term peace in this challenging segment of the Middle East.
