Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement acknowledging Lebanon’s recent government decision to pursue the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025, describing it as a significant step toward Lebanese sovereignty.
The statement comes in response to Lebanon’s Council of Ministers approving objectives of a US plan to restrict weapons solely to state forces, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announcing the army would develop implementation plans by year’s end.
The Israeli statement praised the Lebanese government’s initiative under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, characterising the decision as a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim sovereignty and restore state institutional authority free from non-state actors.
Israel expressed readiness to support Lebanon’s disarmament efforts and pledged to engage in reciprocal measures, including phased reduction of Israel Defence Forces presence coordinated through US-led security mechanisms, contingent on Lebanese Armed Forces implementing Hezbollah’s disarmament.
However, the disarmament initiative faces significant internal resistance. Hezbollah has declared it will treat the government decision “as if it does not exist”, while Prime Minister Salam condemned what he termed “veiled threats of civil war” from Hezbollah.
The militant group has insisted it will maintain its weapons as long as Israel continues attacks and occupies Lebanese territories.
The Lebanese government’s decision follows months of US pressure after Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon resulted in significant casualties.
The cabinet meeting that approved the disarmament plan saw Hezbollah ministers walk out in protest, highlighting the deep divisions within Lebanon’s power-sharing government over the initiative.
The Israeli statement emphasised that both nations should move forward cooperatively toward the shared objective of Hezbollah disarmament to promote regional stability and prosperity, though implementation remains uncertain given Hezbollah’s strong opposition to surrendering its military capabilities.
