Overview
- The Lebanese army says it has assumed operational control across southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, excluding five positions still held by Israeli forces.
- Military operations continue to clear unexploded ordnance and search for tunnels, with the army pledging measures to prevent armed groups from rebuilding.
- Israel called the step an encouraging start but far from sufficient, accusing Hezbollah of rearming and insisting on full disarmament under the 2024 ceasefire.
- Lebanon is preparing the next phase between the Litani and Awali rivers, with the army commander set to present a plan to the cabinet and a briefing expected in February.
- UN officials welcomed progress while warning of risks, as UNIFIL has logged more than 10,000 Israeli ceasefire violations since 2024 and Hezbollah resists disarming beyond the south.