Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that Israel is willing to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, following a recent decision by the Lebanese government tasking the army with consolidating all arms under state control by the end of the year.
“Now is the time for both Israel and Lebanon to move forward in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared objective of disarming Hezbollah and promoting the stability and prosperity of both nations,” Netanyahu's office said in a statement on X.
“In light of this important development, 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,” the statement added.
The Israeli government said it would consider reciprocal steps, including a gradual withdrawal of its military forces, if the Lebanese Armed Forces take concrete actions to disarm the group. The withdrawal would be coordinated through a US-led security mechanism, according to the statement.
Israel launched attacks on Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into full-scale war by Sept. 23, 2024. The aggression left more than 4,000 people dead and injured nearly 17,000.
Although a cease-fire agreement took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, the Israeli occupation army violated it, resulting in 269 deaths and 568 injuries, according to official figures.
Israeli occupation forces have since conducted a partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but continue to occupy five strategic hills captured during the war.
Israel has said it will only complete its withdrawal if Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army assumes control of the border area. Hezbollah has rejected the condition, saying disarmament would amount to surrender and accusing Israel of failing to honor previous commitments.
On the domestic front, the Central Union of Trade Unions and Workers of Hezbollah and the Central Labor Bureau of the Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, called for a demonstration Wednesday in downtown Beirut to protest the government decision. In a joint statement on Telegram, they described the move as contrary to national interests.
“Our patience has worn thin amid the mounting challenges facing our nation. It’s time to express our unified national stance,” the statement said, adding that the protest aims to reaffirm the group's right to retain its weapons, which they claim have been vital in confronting Israeli aggression.
Earlier this month, Hezbollah supporters held motorcycle rallies across Beirut in defiance of the decision.
Also this month, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem warned that the government move could spark a “civil war,” and said the group is prepared to “fight” to preserve its weapons. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Qassem's comments as “unacceptable” and “veiled threats.”
Earlier this month, the US proposed a plan that would limit weapons possession to six official security agencies and ban rearmament of non-state groups. US envoy Thomas Barack arrived in Beirut today carrying Israel's response to Lebanon's proposed amendments to the American plan.
