Egypt Pushes for Global Backing as Lebanon Advances Plan to Disarm Hezbollah

Egypt has called for increased international support for Lebanon’s armed forces as the country intensifies efforts to disarm Hezbollah and place all weapons under state control.

Speaking in Cairo during a preparatory meeting ahead of an upcoming support conference in Paris, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, praised the Lebanese military for successfully completing the first phase of its disarmament initiative.

According to him, the progress demonstrates the army’s capability but also underscores the urgent need for stronger global backing to sustain momentum.

First phase completed, next stage underway

Lebanon’s government committed last year to dismantling Hezbollah’s military structure following its recent conflict with Israel, assigning the army to lead the process.

Despite limited resources, the Lebanese military has in recent months dismantled tunnels, shut down operational sites, and seized weapons belonging to the group. In January, it announced the completion of the first phase of the plan, which focused on areas south of the Litani River, near the Israeli border.

Attention is now shifting to regions north of the river, with military authorities projecting at least four months to complete the second phase.

Funding and capacity challenges persist

While Lebanon has secured pledges of international assistance, officials say the army continues to face shortages in equipment, manpower, and technical expertise—factors that could slow down implementation.

Abdelatty stressed that Tuesday’s meeting was aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring that all arms within Lebanon are brought exclusively under state authority.

High-level international engagement

The Cairo meeting brought together top Lebanese security officials, including Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal and Internal Security Forces chief Raed Abdallah.

Also in attendance were members of the Quintet Committee on Lebanon, including representatives from Qatar, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Notable figures included French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi.

Call for broader regional stability

In a separate meeting with Le Drian, Abdelatty called for a comprehensive international strategy to address Lebanon’s broader security challenges. He emphasized that lasting stability would require Israel to halt military operations and withdraw from disputed Lebanese territories.

However, Israel has continued to express skepticism over the army’s progress, accusing Hezbollah of attempting to rearm. Israeli forces have also maintained periodic strikes despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024.

Balancing security and sovereignty

As Lebanon moves into the next phase of its disarmament plan, analysts say the success of the initiative will depend heavily on sustained international support, improved military capacity, and broader regional cooperation.

With tensions still simmering, the coming months are expected to test both Lebanon’s resolve and the global community’s commitment to stabilising the country.