Netanyahu Proposes Israeli Support for Disarming Hezbollah

SadaNews: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Lebanese cabinet's decision to disarm Hezbollah on Monday, offering Israel's support for this step, and promised to "reduce the Israeli military presence" in Lebanon if it is implemented.

Netanyahu stated in a statement issued by his office, "The Lebanese cabinet's decision to work on disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 is extremely important," adding, "We are ready to support Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah."

The statement released by his office on Monday considered the Lebanese state's decision regarding the arms a chance to regain the country's sovereignty and build its institutions, as he expressed.

He added, "If the Lebanese army takes steps to disarm Hezbollah, Israel will take corresponding measures, including a gradual reduction of the Israeli military presence in Lebanon." He concluded his remarks by saying, "It is time to work with the Lebanese side in a spirit of cooperation to disarm Hezbollah."

Earlier this month, the Lebanese cabinet approved the objectives outlined in an American paper aimed at disarming Hezbollah and other armed factions, a step that sparked severe divisions in Lebanon.

U.S. envoy Thomas Barak presented a disarmament paper that includes the most detailed proposals so far for disarming the party, while the group rejected repeated calls for its disarmament, especially after its war with Israel in late 2024, which left widespread devastation in Lebanon.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel in November ended that round of conflict. The ceasefire included a call for Lebanon to seize all "unauthorized" weapons throughout the country and also included a halt to Israeli attacks against Lebanese targets.

Despite this, Israel has maintained forces in 5 locations in Lebanon and continued to carry out airstrikes against what it alleges are Hezbollah fighters or military facilities belonging to the group.