Israel ‘ready to support’ Lebanese efforts to disarm Hezbollah
Netanyahu's office calls for Lebanon to 'take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah'
Israel is “ready to support” Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah by implementing a phased reduction of its military presence in Lebanon as a “reciprocal measure,” Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said.
If the Lebanese Armed Forces “take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism,” a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office added.
“Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations,” it continued.
Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and PM Nawaf Salam had earlier approved the objectives of a US proposal to disarm Hezbollah.
Reacting to the Israeli statement, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group would refuse to disarm.
Israel had praised leaders in Beirut for their “momentous decision,” calling the move “a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military, and governance—free from the influence of non-state actors.”
It was reported last week that Washington had asked Israel to scale back “non-urgent” military action in Lebanon, warning that continued IDF strikes risk undermining Beirut’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
A ceasefire had been announced in November 2024 after Israel’s success in attacking Hezbollah after Beirut committed to working toward Hezbollah’s disarmament.
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