ISRAEL BACKS LEBANON’S EFFORTS TO DISARM HEZBOLLAH
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel is willing to support Lebanon in its mission to disarm Hezbollah. He proposed a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, contingent on Lebanon’s commitment to disarm the group.
In the wake of last year’s conflict involving Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, the Lebanese army has been actively working in southern Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah’s presence in the area. This month, Lebanon’s cabinet instructed the military to create a plan to fully disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.
Despite the ceasefire that ended the war last November, Israel has maintained its military actions against Lebanon, insisting that they will continue until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. Israeli troops currently occupy five strategic regions in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu expressed Israel’s readiness to assist Lebanon in this regard, stating, “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.” He also acknowledged the steps that the Lebanese government has taken toward this goal.
If Lebanon proceeds with its disarmament strategy, Netanyahu mentioned that Israel is prepared to reduce its military presence in coordination with a US-led security mechanism.
Hezbollah, which retained its weapons after Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990, emerged from last year’s conflict significantly weakened. However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has expressed strong opposition to the Lebanese government’s plans to disarm his group.
In a recent meeting, US envoy Tom Barrack urged Israel to adhere to the agreements established by the ceasefire with Hezbollah. He emphasized that the Lebanese government has made progress and called for Israel to follow suit.
As discussions unfold, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on the future of the peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, which has faced opposition from both the US and Israel. The proposed resolution seeks to extend the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, allowing time for a planned withdrawal.
