Iran Deadline expires: concern about new escalation in Lebanon
As the year draws to a close, Lebanon is heading towards a phase of uncertainty with a possible new escalation.
29.12.2025, 12:43
SDA
On December 31, Wednesday of this week, an important deadline expires for the requested disarmament of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. Following pressure from the USA and Israel, the Lebanese government has also agreed to complete the first important phase of disarmament by the end of the year.
However, no concrete steps in this direction are visible. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassim described the plans as a "disarmament project" by the USA and Israel. "We will not surrender and we will defend our country," said Kassim in a televised speech. Unlike Israel, Hezbollah had adhered to the terms of the current ceasefire.
Hezbollah and Israel fought a parallel war after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, in which Hezbollah and its most important supporter Iran were severely weakened. Despite a ceasefire now in place, Israel's military attacks Lebanon almost daily with the declared aim of reducing the threat posed by the militia. Since the ceasefire came into force, more than 300 people have been killed in Lebanon, including more than 100 civilians according to UN figures.
Disarmament originally planned in five phases
The disarmament of Hezbollah is to take place in five phases. The Lebanese army is to be given control of Hezbollah's weapons and military equipment. Hezbollah itself has never agreed to a timetable for disarmament and makes Israel's withdrawal of troops from the country a prerequisite for further cooperation. Israel, on the other hand, accuses the militia of reorganizing and rearming itself contrary to the agreement. According to the UN observer mission Unifil, however, there is no evidence of this.
The first phase, which ends on Wednesday, provides for Hezbollah to completely evacuate military structures south of the Litani River. Areas north of the river as well as in the capital Beirut and the Bekaa Valley are to follow later. Without disarmament, Israel could once again launch heavy attacks in the neighboring country. According to reports, Israel has already enlisted the support of its most important ally, the USA.
