Netanyahu: Israel is prepared to support Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that if the Lebanese government implements its plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, Israel is willing to start withdrawing its troops from Lebanon.

Reuters reported that Netanyahu's office said on Monday (August 25) that if the Lebanese army begins to implement the plan, Israel will consider taking reciprocal measures, including reducing its troops in phases in coordination with the US-led security mechanism.

This proposal marks a rare public statement by Netanyahu. He said that Lebanon's decision to authorize the military to disarm the Lebanese militia was "of great significance".

This plan was submitted by US President Trump's special envoy Barack Barack earlier this month, listing the most detailed steps for disarming Hezbollah.

It is reported that the US proposal is divided into four phases, with goals including: gradually eliminating the presence of non-state armed forces such as Hezbollah, deploying regular Lebanese troops in key border and inland areas, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from five strongholds, resolving the issue of prisoners of war through indirect negotiations, and permanently demarcating the borders between Lebanon and Israel as well as Syria.

The Lebanese cabinet later approved the US proposal but did not disclose specific details.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah has refused to disarm since it broke out in conflict with Israel at the end of last year. Under the mediation of the United States, Lebanon and Israel later reached a ceasefire agreement, ending the conflict. The ceasefire agreement calls on Lebanon to confiscate all "unauthorized" weapons across the country and says Israel will cease its offensive against Lebanese targets.

However, Israel still stations troops at five strongholds along the southern border of Lebanon and continues to launch air strikes against so-called Hezbollah militants and weapons facilities.