On Monday, August 25, Israel indicated its intention to withdraw its military presence in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese army took action to disarm the Shiite terrorist organization Hezbollah.
The Israeli prime minister’s office made the announcement a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who has been heavily involved in the plan.
“If the Lebanese Armed Forces take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction by the Israeli military,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said.
The Israeli military forces have maintained a presence in southern Lebanon near the border since agreeing to a U.S.-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah in November.
This month, Lebanon’s cabinet tasked the army to work out a plan to reestablish state control over arms by December. It is a huge challenge to Hezbollah, which has rejected calls to disarm its forces.
The Israeli prime minister’s office described the Lebanese decision as a momentous measure. Israel stood “ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah,” the statement said.
