The Israeli government has called on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and remove the militant group from southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made this assertion amid ongoing military operations targeting Hezbollah in the region. On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the elimination of four Hezbollah members during these operations, highlighting the continuing volatility in the area.
Despite a November 2024 ceasefire that concluded over a year of conflict, sporadic Israeli strikes against Hezbollah have persisted. This ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States, aimed to halt hostilities that escalated due to the war in Gaza. Katz emphasized that Israel would continue to intensify its enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of residents in northern Israel.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Lebanon committed to allowing only state security forces to maintain arms, which effectively means disarming Hezbollah. Since that agreement, Lebanon has faced increasing pressure from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and rival political factions within Lebanon to fulfill this obligation.
Lebanese military sources reported to Reuters that they had detonated numerous Hezbollah arms caches but had exhausted their supply of explosives. This situation has forced the Lebanese army to navigate a delicate balance, as any aggressive action against Hezbollah could escalate tensions within the country.
Once the dominant political force in Lebanon, Hezbollah has been significantly weakened following the conflict in 2024, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of its fighters and its long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The war also had devastating humanitarian impacts, claiming the lives of over 1,100 women and children and causing extensive destruction in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Hezbollah has publicly committed to adhering to the ceasefire terms, refraining from attacks on Israel since the agreement. The group has not opposed the dismantling of unarmed weapons caches in southern Lebanon. Nevertheless, Hezbollah maintains that disarmament applies solely to the southern region, suggesting that any state-led actions against its presence could provoke renewed conflict.
The ongoing situation remains precarious, with the potential for further military engagement looming as both sides navigate the complex political landscape. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, as the resolution of this conflict holds significant implications for regional stability.
