The Israeli government has called on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah as tensions persist in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Lebanese government must adhere to its commitment to eliminate the militant group from southern Lebanon. This statement comes as Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah, recently claiming to have killed four of its members in an attack.
The Israeli military’s announcement on Sunday highlights ongoing hostilities despite a November 2024 ceasefire that was brokered by the United States. This truce brought an end to over a year of conflict, which was ignited by the war in Gaza. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have continued intermittently, creating a precarious situation for residents in northern Israel. Katz emphasized that Israel will intensify its enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Under the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire, Lebanon agreed that only state security forces should retain arms, effectively necessitating the disarmament of Hezbollah. Lebanon now faces pressure from multiple fronts, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and various domestic opponents of Hezbollah, to fulfill this obligation.
Lebanese army sources informed Reuters that they have been actively dismantling Hezbollah’s armaments, stating that they have depleted their explosives while targeting numerous arms caches. However, they are navigating a complex political landscape, aiming to avoid exacerbating tensions within Lebanon. Hezbollah, which previously held significant political power, suffered substantial losses during the 2024 conflict, including the deaths of thousands of fighters and its long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Despite publicly supporting the ceasefire and not engaging in hostilities since November, Hezbollah has asserted that disarmament only pertains to its operations in southern Lebanon. The group has hinted that any attempt by the Lebanese state to confront it could lead to renewed conflict.
As the situation evolves, the Lebanese government’s ability to manage the disarmament of Hezbollah will be closely monitored by both regional and international stakeholders. The outcome of this process could have significant implications for stability in southern Lebanon and broader relations in the Middle East.
