On October 1, 2024, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced Lebanon's readiness to implement UN Resolution 1701 to ease tensions on its southern border with Israel. This statement followed a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Mikati indicated that Lebanon is prepared to deploy its army south of the Litani River in coordination with UN peacekeepers, amid international calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
UN Resolution 1701, enacted in 2006, concluded a 33-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It mandated a cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and enhanced monitoring by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) alongside the Lebanese army. The resolution also established a demilitarized zone along the Lebanon-Israel border, allowing only Lebanese and UNIFIL forces to carry arms in that area.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of breaching this resolution by deploying troops south of the Litani River.