The United States and Israel, along with Lebanon, are reportedly exploring various options to disarm Hezbollah. These include utilizing the Lebanese army or blocking arms supplies through Syria. Israel is also not ruling out the possibility of expanding military operations. However, significant challenges are anticipated for any of these approaches.
According to the Wall Street Journal on July 20, the most concrete plan currently under discussion involves leveraging the Lebanese army.
The proposal suggests that as the Israeli military gradually withdraws from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army would take control of the area. Following this, U.S. special forces would assist in recovering Hezbollah's weapons, with the potential for the use of force being considered depending on the situation.
Initial steps have already begun. Last week, the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon held direct talks in Rome to discuss the process of transferring occupied areas to the Lebanese army. According to the U.S. State Department, preliminary work for the Lebanese army to regain control of the southern region also started this week.
However, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to actual disarmament. Reports indicate that there are pro-Hezbollah factions within the Lebanese army. Many soldiers reportedly feel uneasy about using force against their own citizens. The Lebanese government has also avoided direct military confrontation with Hezbollah due to concerns about a resurgence of civil war.
Hezbollah has strongly opposed any disarmament attempts. Its member, Hassan Fadlallah, warned that if forces supported by the U.S. attempt to recover weapons, they will fight back as they would against the Israeli military.
Another option being considered involves utilizing Syria to block arms and supplies entering Hezbollah.
Iran has long supplied military resources to Hezbollah through Syria. The U.S. believes that if the Syrian government strengthens border controls with Lebanon, it could help cut off key supply routes. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the Ahmed al-Shara government could play a role in this process.
However, sending Syrian troops to fight Hezbollah is viewed as unrealistic. There remains significant resentment in Lebanon over the Syrian military presence that lasted from 1976 to 2005. The new Syrian government is also focused on stabilizing its domestic situation and restructuring its military, leaving it with little capacity for military operations in Lebanon.
The final option is for the Israeli military to continue its offensive operations. If the strategies involving the Lebanese army or Syria do not yield results, Israel may escalate its military actions.
Israel is assessed to have significantly weakened Hezbollah's leadership and missile capabilities through two years of attacks. However, there are concerns that military force alone will not be sufficient to completely dismantle the organization, which has been deeply rooted in Lebanon's Shia community for over 40 years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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