Israel Ready to Withdraw From Lebanon if Hezbollah Disarms, Says Netanyahu

Israel Ready to Withdraw From Lebanon if Hezbollah Disarms, Says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel’s military will withdraw from all five positions in southern Lebanon if Hezbollah is fully disarmed, in response to Lebanon’s government’s recent commitment to eliminate the militant group’s weapons by the end of 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would pull its troops out of all five military positions in southern Lebanon should the Lebanese government implement its pledge to dismantle Hezbollah by the end of 2025.

The announcement follows heightened international pressure and a momentous decision by the Lebanese cabinet to pursue the disarmament of the Iran-backed militant group.

Netanyahu welcomed Lebanon’s decision as a “crucial opportunity,” expressing willingness to engage in coordinated steps including the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and a rollback of air force strikes in southern Lebanon. “If Lebanon takes the necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah, Israel will reciprocate with measures that may include a gradual decrease of its military presence,”

Netanyahu said in a statement.
This comes after a U.S. mediated ceasefire ended the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war in November, which left thousands dead and caused damage estimated at $11 billion.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions have continued, with Hezbollah maintaining that disarmament discussions will only follow the withdrawal of Israeli troops from five hills inside Lebanon and an end to near-daily airstrikes, which have heavily impacted its fighters.

The five positions Israel currently retains are considered key vantage points across from northern Israeli communities, where tens of thousands of Israelis were displaced during the recent conflict.

The United States has backed efforts to disarm Hezbollah while authorizing Israel’s limited presence in southern Lebanon through prior truce extensions.

Hezbollah’s leadership remains defiant, condemning Lebanon’s move as serving Israeli interests and vowing not to disarm until all Israeli forces withdraw. Meanwhile, Lebanese forces have begun deploying along the border areas in anticipation of the implementation of the new security arrangements.