Last week, US officials requested that Israel stop attacking Lebanon, as is required under the November ceasefire. It appears they’re not doing that, but beyond previously being involved in a proposal to create a depopulated “Trump zone” in southern Lebanon, Israel is now making its position more public.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel “stands ready to support” Lebanon in their disarmament of Hezbollah, which the government has announced to do amid US demands to monopolize arms under state control.
And while some media outlets are reporting he offered to end the occupation of southern Lebanon, the exact quotes make it clear it’s far short of that. Netanyahu says he will consider “a phased reduction” of Israeli ground troops inside Lebanon, not a withdraw but just a reduction, and even that only in phases.
President Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Picture from Picryl
It’s not clear what supporting the disarmament would entail, though in the context of an ongoing occupation and daily attacks on Lebanese territory, any direct Israeli involvement in the disarmament would doubtless make it even more unpopular than it already is.
Hezbollah has ruled out giving up their weapons, citing the occupation and the constant attacks, and saying they intend to retain the ability to resist. They had previously suggested willingness to talk if the occupation ended and the attacks stopped, though at this point it’s clear neither of those is on the table.
Underscoring Israel’s position on the matter, another IDF drone strike was reported yesterday against Bint Jbeil, killing one. Though no evidence was offered to support this, the IDF claimed the person killed was “restoring” Hezbollah infrastructure.
