Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Lebanon on Monday, expressing support for the Lebanese government’s commitment to disarm Hezbollah, which was announced earlier this month.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, faced significant losses after a series of attacks on Israel last fall, which included missiles, rockets, and drones following the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023.
A previous UN Security Council resolution mandated Hezbollah’s disarmament, yet the Lebanese forces and the UN Transitional Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) failed to take action.
After a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon late last year, the Lebanese government successfully elected a president, and under pressure from the US, it started to address the issue of Hezbollah’s arms.
Despite these efforts, disarmament progress seemed stalled. Israel continued its attacks on Hezbollah, particularly when there were indications that the group might reposition its weapons, as permitted by the ceasefire.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, Netanyahu remarked:
Israel recognizes the significant actions taken by the Lebanese government under President Ounu and Prime Minister Salam. The Council of Ministers’ recent decision to pursue disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025 represents a critical step. It presents an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore order within its state institutions, military, and governance.
With this important development, Israel stands ready to support Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to collaborate toward a safer and more stable future for both nations. Should the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) implement the necessary steps for Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israel will consider reciprocal measures, including a gradual reduction of IDF presence in coordination with US-led security initiatives.
Now is the moment for Israel and Lebanon to advance together, focusing on the shared goal of disarming Hezbollah and fostering stability and prosperity in both countries.
While Lebanon doesn’t currently aim for formal peace or normalization with Israel, it has indicated that this stance could evolve.
