New International Mechanism in the South: Washington Moves to Prevent Hezbollah from Filling the 'UNIFIL' Vacuum

Washington is preparing to propose new security arrangements in southern Lebanon, linking the future of the international presence to specific government steps to end the military activity of the Hezbollah militia, as the mandate of the "UNIFIL" forces approaches its expiration.

The United States is moving towards assigning field responsibility to the Lebanese Army and establishing a limited international mechanism to monitor the implementation of security commitments, in an effort to prevent the party from exploiting the withdrawal of international forces to restore its military positions and supply networks.

An American diplomat at the State Department told "Erem News" that US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz's visit to Beirut on November 16 and 17 aims to secure direct commitments from the Presidency, the Government, and the Army Command regarding the management of the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line after the current operations of the international forces conclude.

He explained that the American vision includes separating the responsibilities of the Lebanese Army from the mission of international observers, setting a schedule for taking over sites and facilities used by "UNIFIL," along with establishing procedures for dealing with weapons depots, tunnels, and military sites belonging to Hezbollah.

These moves come after stalled American-French consultations regarding an alternative force, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of the possibility of adopting a civilian monitoring mission, while Security Council Resolution 2790 stipulates the end of "UNIFIL" operations on December 31, and the start of its gradual withdrawal during 2027.

American Demands from the Army
According to the American diplomat, Washington wants to obtain a Lebanese plan that includes identifying former Hezbollah military sites in the Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun sectors, and defining responsibilities related to removing armed structures and securing weapons found by the army during its deployment.

The demands include preparing periodic field reports submitted by the Lebanese military command to the coordination mechanism for the cessation of hostilities, detailing the locations entered by military units, the nature of seized items, and obstacles facing mission execution.

The American administration pays special attention to areas surrounding border villages, where officials fear the reuse of civilian facilities and agricultural zones to hide military equipment or store weapons belonging to the party.

The source indicated that Waltz will discuss with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Army Commander Rodolphe Heykal the logistical requirements needed to expand deployment, particularly armored transport means, surveillance devices, and engineering equipment used in handling tunnels and munitions.

The visit coincides with the Lebanese Presidency's insistence on supporting the military institution, amid political disagreements regarding restricting arms, and continuing field tension and Israeli attacks that hinder stabilizing the south.

Dispute Over the Alternative Force
The most sensitive issue concerns the nature of the international presence after the end of the "UNIFIL" mission, as Washington prefers a small mission for monitoring and coordination, with the Lebanese Army retaining primary responsibility for security.

The diplomat revealed that the American side is exploring the possibility of leveraging the UN Truce Supervision Organization, by enhancing its technical capabilities and expanding its linkage to the cessation of hostilities mechanism, while defining its jurisdiction to monitor violations and exchange information among concerned parties.

This formula is subject to consultations with France and European countries participating in "UNIFIL," especially Italy, which shows interest in maintaining an international role that supports the Lebanese Army and preserves border stability.

The dispute is linked to the distribution of powers and funding, the need for a new Security Council resolution, as well as the Israeli position on the presence of additional international forces in the south.

Paris prefers to maintain a clear UN umbrella for the new arrangements, while Washington focuses on creating a limited mechanism capable of working in direct coordination with the Lebanese Army and entities involved in monitoring the implementation of the security agreement.

Party's Arms Determine the Stance
The source confirmed that Washington will link its stance on any new international arrangements to the extent of Lebanese authorities' readiness to take actual measures against Hezbollah's military presence, with special attention to preventing the reconstruction of the party's sites south of the Litani.

The demands include clarifying government procedures regarding the party's refusal to hand over its weapons, and identifying the entity responsible for addressing any armed objection to army movements or international patrols.

The administration is also considering linking technical aid allocated for southern deployment to an executive plan specifying the needs of military units and stages of assuming security responsibilities, while continuing coordination with European partners regarding funding and equipping.

For the American side, Waltz's visit will determine the extent of Beirut's readiness to transition to new arrangements that strengthen state authority in the south, especially with the approaching deadline for ending "UNIFIL" operations and the ongoing dispute over the future of Hezbollah's arms.

The Lebanese government's ability to implement its security decisions remains the fundamental factor in the success of these arrangements, at a time when Washington seeks to prevent the withdrawal of international forces from becoming an opportunity for the party to restore its military influence in the border region.

"Erem News"