Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel stands ready to support Lebanon’s plan to disarm Hezbollah, describing the Lebanese cabinet’s recent decision to pursue the move by the end of 2025 as “momentous.” Netanyahu’s office confirmed that if Lebanon’s armed forces take concrete steps to implement disarmament, Israel will reciprocate with a phased reduction of its military presence in southern Lebanon—coordinated through a U.S.-led security mechanism, but stopped short of committing to a full withdrawal.
The announcement came as the Lebanese cabinet tasked the army with drafting a plan to bring all weapons under state control by year’s end, marking a rare show of assertiveness toward restoring sovereignty. Israel welcomed the move, saying it offers Lebanon a chance to reestablish state authority and build stability beyond the shadow of non-state actors.
The U.S. has played an active role in facilitating this process, with envoy Tom Barrack helping broker a ceasefire in November following a 14-month conflict. Barrack reinforced that Israel must also comply with the plan by scaling back its southern presence once Lebanese forces begin disarmament.
While Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam support a state monopoly on arms, Hezbollah continues to oppose the effort vehemently. The group insists it will not disarm until Israel withdraws from its positions in Lebanese territory and halts its military actions.
