UPDATE: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued an urgent call for the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah and remove its presence from southern Lebanon. This announcement comes as Israeli military operations continue to target the militant group, with recent reports confirming the deaths of four Hezbollah members during attacks on Sunday.
Israeli forces have conducted sporadic strikes since the November 2024 ceasefire that halted over a year of intense conflict sparked by the war in Gaza. Katz stated that maximum enforcement efforts would be intensified to protect Israeli residents in the north, highlighting the ongoing tensions along the border.
The November truce, brokered by the United States, mandated that only state security forces should bear arms in Lebanon, effectively requiring Hezbollah’s disarmament. Since then, Lebanon has faced pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and local political rivals to comply with this demand. Despite efforts, Lebanese army sources reported exhausting their supplies of explosives while attempting to dismantle Hezbollah’s arms caches, reflecting the delicate balance of power within the country.
Hezbollah, once the dominant political force in Lebanon, has suffered significant losses, including the deaths of thousands of fighters and its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah, during the 2024 conflict. The war also tragically claimed the lives of over 1,100 women and children and devastated large areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.
While Hezbollah has publicly committed to the ceasefire and has not retaliated against Israeli attacks since November, the group insists that disarmament only applies to southern Lebanon. They have signaled that any state actions against them could reignite conflict, underscoring the fragile situation in the region.
As tensions escalate, observers are closely monitoring developments. The Lebanese government’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether peace can be sustained or if renewed violence is on the horizon. The implications of this situation are profound, with potential repercussions for regional stability and the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
