Israel has expressed readiness to support Lebanon in efforts to disarm Hezbollah, following a recent decision by the Lebanese cabinet to endorse a US-led disarmament initiative. This development comes as Lebanon grapples with internal divisions regarding the framework aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Lebanon’s cabinet approved the objectives of the US disarmament plan earlier this month, which lays out a roadmap to address the influence of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that has resisted disarmament efforts. According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office, if the Lebanese Army begins to implement the plan, Israel would consider reciprocal actions, including a potential reduction of its military presence along the border, in coordination with a US-led security mechanism.
The disarmament proposal, presented by US envoy Tom Barrack, is noted as the most comprehensive attempt yet to curb Hezbollah’s military power. The group has consistently rejected calls to disarm, particularly following the brutal conflict with Israel that erupted on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack from Gaza. This war resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and inflicted significant damage, estimated at $11 billion, across Lebanon.
A US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 marked the end of that conflict and included provisions for Lebanon to confiscate all “unauthorized” weapons throughout the country. In return, Israel committed to halting offensive operations against Lebanese targets. Despite this ceasefire, Israel has retained military positions at five locations along the southern border and has continued airstrikes targeting what it identifies as Hezbollah fighters and weapon facilities.
The humanitarian situation in the region remains dire, particularly in Gaza. Recently, Israeli airstrikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, including three journalists, according to Palestinian health officials. The strikes occurred during a double-tap attack, where one missile struck first, followed by another shortly after, targeting rescue crews. The Nasser Hospital, the largest medical facility in southern Gaza, has faced continuous bombardment throughout the ongoing conflict, leading to severe shortages of medical supplies and staff.
Israeli military operations have faced scrutiny, with reports indicating that hospitals in Gaza have been frequent targets. The Israeli government claims its strikes target militants using medical facilities for operations, although evidence for such claims is often not provided. The health ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the war, a figure that does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, with approximately half identified as women and children. The United Nations and various independent experts consider these figures the most reliable source on casualties from the ongoing conflict.
In recent developments, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has intensified calls for a ceasefire proposal to secure the release of hostages. Reports indicate he urged Netanyahu to accept a revised deal, known as the Witkoff proposal, which suggests a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. Zamir expressed concerns that ongoing military operations could jeopardize the safety of the remaining hostages, believed to number around 20.
As tensions persist, Israel continues to mobilize military resources, recently calling up approximately 60,000 reservists in preparation for potential further action in Gaza. The political and military leadership have approved operational plans for an extensive takeover of Gaza City, home to about one million residents. However, there is internal dissent regarding this strategy, with military leaders warning of the humanitarian consequences of such an action.
The situation remains fluid, with Lebanon navigating its internal challenges while grappling with external pressures from Hezbollah and regional dynamics, all amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
