Tel Aviv – The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel is prepared to assist Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah, welcoming a significant step from the Lebanese national government aimed at the same end.
The Prime Minister’s Office praised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for their cabinet’s decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, describing it as an opportunity for Lebanon to restore its national sovereignty and bolster its institutions, reports 24brussels.
In what ways is Israel ready to assist Lebanon?
“Israel views this as a major step and an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and rebuild its state institutions, army, and government without interference from non-state actors,”
the statement from the Prime Minister’s office read.
Israel reiterated its willingness to aid Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah and working toward a safer, stable future for both nations. The statement indicated that if Lebanese security forces proceed to confiscate Hezbollah’s weapons, Israel would respond in kind, potentially including a phased withdrawal of its troops in coordination with the US.
“Now is the time for Israel and Lebanon to move forward in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared goal of disarming Hezbollah and promoting stability and prosperity for both nations,”
the statement concluded.
How does Lebanon’s cabinet plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons?
Recently, the Lebanese government approved a US proposal for the disarmament of Hezbollah by the year’s end, which includes ending Israeli military operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five positions in southern Lebanon. This proposal was met with rejection from Hezbollah, which labeled the government’s compliance with US and Israeli directives as “foolish.”
“We will treat this decision as if it does not exist …”
Why did Hezbollah reject the government’s disarmament agreement?
Since the conclusion of the Israel-Hezbollah war in November, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have maintained that they will not consider disarmament until Israel withdraws from the five hills currently under its control in Lebanon. The group insists that Israel must cease its frequent airstrikes, which have predominantly targeted Hezbollah members in recent months. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli air assaults resumed sporadically, justifying Hezbollah’s continued refusal to disarm.
