The Lebanese cabinet voted to extend the deadline for the second phase of the national disarmament plan to September 30, 2026, according to a Reuters report on April 10. The extension, which cites logistical challenges and the need for greater international support, marks the latest official acknowledgment of the difficulties in disarming Hezbollah.
An initial cabinet directive in September 2025 mandated the Lebanese Armed Forces to establish a state monopoly on arms by the end of 2025. That timeline was later extended after resistance from Hezbollah and deepening political divisions within the government.
The first phase of the disarmament plan, focused on areas south of the Litani River, was completed by early 2026. The second phase, encompassing territory north of the Litani and the Bekaa Valley, remains underway but has faced opposition from the group.
The continued resistance from Hezbollah, combined with the government's reliance on external support, has slowed progress. The December 31, 2026 deadline for the broader disarmament effort remains in place, though the cabinet's extension has shifted attention to the September benchmark.
The next milestone is the September 30, 2026 deadline for the second-phase plan. A formal report from the Lebanese government or the United Nations on compliance with Resolution 1701 could provide the clearest signal on whether the disarmament process is on track.
