Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel is prepared to support Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah and would consider a “phased” withdrawal of Israeli troops if Beirut follows through with its disarmament plan.
The remarks come nearly a year after Israel’s war with the Iran-backed group, which left Hezbollah weakened and prompted the Lebanese government to order its army to dismantle the group’s infrastructure in the south. Earlier this month, Lebanon’s cabinet tasked the military with drafting a plan to seize Hezbollah’s weapons by year’s end.
“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,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. He also acknowledged “the significant step taken by the Lebanese government” and pledged that if the plan advances, Israel would consider “reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism.”
Despite a ceasefire agreed in November, Israeli forces have continued to strike Lebanese territory and maintain control over five southern areas deemed strategically vital. On Monday, the Israeli military said it had “eliminated” a Hezbollah member in southern Lebanon and vowed to continue operations “to remove threats posed to the citizens of Israel.”
Hezbollah remains the only Lebanese faction to retain its weapons after the country’s 1975–1990 civil war. Its leader, Naim Qassem, earlier this month rejected the government’s disarmament push and vowed to resist any attempt to strip the group of its arsenal.
The debate comes amid renewed international attention. Last week, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack urged Israel to honor commitments under the ceasefire, saying: “The Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply.” On Monday, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that U.S. deputy envoy Morgan Ortagus had arrived in Beirut for consultations with officials.
The Israeli statement coincided with preparations at the United Nations Security Council for a vote later Monday on the future of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The French-drafted resolution, facing opposition from Washington and Tel Aviv, would extend the peacekeeping mission—deployed since 1978 to separate Israeli and Lebanese forces—for another year while planning its eventual withdrawal.
