A ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel broadens the designated area that is expected to be free from Hezbollah‘s arms and clarifies the authority of Lebanese security forces to carry weapons. This agreement features more precise language than previous U.N. resolutions, which analysts and diplomats suggest may put Hezbollah in a difficult position.
The Lebanese cabinet released the deal on Wednesday, which spans just over five pages and includes a map detailing southern Lebanon.
The designated area free from Hezbollah weaponry is marked by a red line labeled “New 2024 line,” extending east-west across the country.
It begins approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the Israeli border along the coast and continues eastward, primarily following the Litani River before veering north of the town of Yohmor, thus extending beyond the region outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to eliminate non-state arms.
Resolution 1701 concluded the last conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.
The newly defined zone encompasses Beaufort Castle, a strategic Crusader-era fortress that overlooks the Israeli border, according to retired army brigadier general Hassan Jouni.
The 2006 resolution also stipulated that there would be “no weapons without the consent of the Government of Lebanon” throughout Lebanese territory.
The newly established ceasefire agreement expands its scope by specifying that only “official military and security forces” in Lebanon are permitted to carry weapons. This designation includes the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Internal Security Forces, General Security, State Security, Lebanese customs, and municipal police.
Jouni remarked, “This clearly indicates a commitment to implementation, eliminating any ambiguity that could lead to misinterpretation.”
He emphasized that this arrangement benefits the Lebanese state and its official institutions, while not serving Hezbollah’s interests.
Since 2008, officials from both the Beirut government and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which holds significant political power in Lebanon, have interpreted cabinet statements affirming the right to “resistance” as tacit approval for Hezbollah’s armament.
Two Lebanese officials informed Reuters that they did not view the additional language in the new agreement as alarming, asserting that the primary achievement was the cessation of hostilities.
However, diplomats noted that the phrasing might provide Israel with greater leverage than it had after 2006 to hinder Hezbollah from re-arming or repositioning its fighters and weapons.
A regional diplomat commented, “Lebanon either had no alternative or believes it can navigate this situation cleverly.”
A senior Western diplomat indicated that Israel’s position had significantly strengthened following extensive strikes that decimated much of Hezbollah’s leadership and displaced over 1.2 million individuals, allowing it to effectively set the terms.
When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks regarding Israel’s military freedom to act against Hezbollah if the agreement was breached, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah responded that the group would maintain its right to self-defense in the event of an Israeli attack.
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