With a critical mission underway in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have found themselves in the limelight following the election of their commander, Joseph Aoun, as president of Lebanon.
After candidates from various Lebanese parties, including one backed by Hezbollah, withdrew, Aoun emerged victorious. His election has been welcomed by many, especially as celebrations erupted in Beirut, a stark contrast to the previous norm of real Israeli airstrikes.
Retired LAF General Wehbe Katicha remarked to Breaking Defense that Aoun’s presidency is expected to enhance the army’s profile both domestically and internationally at this pivotal moment. “The Lebanese army is the most trusted national entity by the international community, and as its commander reaches Baada [the presidential palace], I expect the LAF’s mission in the south to be facilitated and international military aid to be provided where they are needed most,” he said.
Aoun’s victory follows a 43-day truce in a 60-day ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has largely held. In his oath, Aoun committed to “respect the ceasefire with Israel,” asserting that the government “will not compromise Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty” and emphasizing the need for Lebanon to rely on its own resources rather than foreign powers.
As Israel begins its phased withdrawal from Lebanon, attention will focus on the LAF’s responsibility to ensure safety in the regions it controls, particularly for civilians rebuilding after months of conflict. Experts remain divided on whether the LAF possesses the necessary resources to tackle this task, but they unanimously agree that the army faces its most significant challenge in decades and will require both domestic and international support.
Legitimate Security Provider
Recently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completed their withdrawal from Naqoura, transferring security operations in that area and surrounding towns to the LAF. “As part of the Mechanism-enabled transition, the LAF immediately deployed forces to the area to clear roads, remove unauthorized munitions, and provide security for the people of Lebanon,” stated the US embassy.
Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, a leading US official involved in ceasefire efforts, affirmed that the LAF is “the legitimate security provider for Lebanon,” demonstrating capability, intent, and leadership in securing the nation.
With the ceasefire struck in late November, experts acknowledged its tenuous nature. Retired Brig. Gen. Ziad Haykal expressed optimism, predicting that the ceasefire would hold—underpinned by support from the US and other major powers, as well as Hezbollah’s interest in maintaining stability amid destruction and displacement.
A key aspect of the ceasefire hinges on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for “no weapons” other than those belonging to the LAF in the south. Haykal emphasized this as a fundamental task, noting that Hezbollah has shown willingness to cooperate with the LAF. Aoun reinforced the primacy of state authority in arms possession.
Aram Nerguizian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted the expectation for the LAF to redeploy forces to strengthen troop capabilities in the South Litani Sector.
The acquiescence of Hezbollah and its supporter Iran has been pivotal to maintaining the ceasefire, explained Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute. He noted that successful implementation relied upon Hezbollah and Iran agreeing to specific conditions that would enable the Lebanese army, along with UNIFIL, to fill any operational voids as Hezbollah withdrew.
Retired Brig. Gen. Khalil Helou supported the idea that the LAF has adequate manpower and resources for its role in Southern Lebanon, asserting, “Lebanese Armed Forces have enough man and material in order to deploy in all of South Lebanon.”
However, uncertainties remain regarding Hezbollah’s potential military reassertion and Israel’s actions should they feel unsatisfied with the LAF’s performance, as evidenced by Israel’s recent accusations against the LAF for failing to neutralize rocket launchers.
Elie Elias from the Middle East Institute for Research and Strategic Studies stated that the LAF does not currently possess the necessary capacities for effectively securing the southern borders. “Without these platforms and international support, its ability to protect the southern borders and all borders remains limited,” he cautioned.
International Support and Future Outlook
As the LAF embarks on its new responsibilities, experts emphasize the vital role of international support. “The LAF potentially has the capacity [to implement the ceasefire], but certainly, they need clear financial and logistical support from the international community,” asserted Salem.
The Lebanese military has previously received military aid from the USA, which continues to support its mission in South Lebanon. Recently, the State Department redirected $95 million in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon, enhancing LAF’s capabilities as it strives to implement the Lebanon-Israel Cessation of Hostilities.
This funding is expected to contribute significantly to the LAF’s efforts to stabilize the region and holds the promise of better managing the challenges posed by Hezbollah.
