Israel Ready To Support Lebanon With Hezbollah Weapons

JAKARTA - Israel is ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to bare up Hezbollah's weapons. This move follows the Lebanese cabinet's decision to support the US weapons removal plan for the Iran-backed group.

Earlier this month, the Lebanese cabinet approved the purpose of a US framework aimed at arming Hezbollah and other armed factions, a move that sparked a sharp division in the country.

Reported by Reuters on Monday, August 25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that if the Lebanese Army began implementing the plan, Israel would consider reciprocal measures, including reducing its military presence, by coordinating with US-led security mechanisms.

A roadmap for the removal of weapons was proposed by US envoy Tom Barrack and outlined the most detailed proposals so far to curb Hezbollah's military power.

The group has repeatedly rejected calls for weapons, especially after its war with Israel by the end of 2024, which devastated parts of Lebanon.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024 ended the conflict, calling on Lebanon to confiscate all "unauthorized" weapons across the country, and saying Israel would stop offensive operations against Lebanese targets.

However, Israel still places its troops in five positions along the southern border and continues to launch airstrikes against what it calls Hezbollah fighters and weapons facilities.