Israel Signals Possible Troop Reduction in Lebanon If Hezbollah Is Disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel is prepared to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon—if the Lebanese government follows through on a newly approved plan to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state actors.

“Israel acknowledges the significant step taken by the Lebanese Government under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. He called Beirut’s recent disarmament resolution a “momentous decision.”

On August 5, Lebanon’s cabinet approved a national plan to bring all weapons under state control. The Lebanese Armed Forces have been tasked with developing a detailed implementation strategy by the end of August, with full execution expected by the end of 2025. Hezbollah has rejected the move, calling it a “grave sin.”

Netanyahu’s office described the decision as a “crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore full control to its institutions, free from non-state interference.”

“If the Lebanese army takes the necessary steps to implement Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israel will respond with reciprocal measures—including a phased withdrawal of IDF forces in coordination with the US-led security framework,” the statement said.

There has been no official response yet from either the Lebanese government or Hezbollah regarding Israel’s offer.

Israel launched a military operation in Lebanon on October 8, 2023, which escalated into full-scale conflict by September 2024. The war killed over 4,000 people and left around 17,000 injured.

Despite a ceasefire reached in November 2024, Israeli forces have continued near-daily operations in southern Lebanon, citing ongoing Hezbollah threats. Under the terms of the truce, Israel was expected to fully withdraw by January 26, 2025. That deadline was extended to February 18, and Israeli troops still maintain positions at five southern border outposts.