NextFin news, JERUSALEM, August 25, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel could start withdrawing its military presence from southern Lebanon if the Lebanese government follows through with its plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of this year.
Netanyahu made the statement in Jerusalem, welcoming the Lebanese cabinet's "momentous decision" earlier this month to work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that has maintained its weapons since Lebanon's civil war ended in 1990.
He said Israel would respond with "reciprocal measures," including a phased reduction of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) presence in southern Lebanon, coordinated with a U.S.-led security mechanism, if Lebanon implements the disarmament plan.
The Lebanese cabinet tasked the Lebanese army earlier this month with developing a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, a move that has sparked divisions within Lebanon. The Lebanese army has been deploying in the south and dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure following last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Despite the ceasefire brokered in November 2024 that ended the conflict, Israel has continued airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and maintains control of five strategic positions in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu's office released a statement saying, "Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations."
Hezbollah, which emerged weakened from last year's war, has rejected calls to disarm. Earlier this month, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem vowed to resist the Lebanese government's disarmament plans.
The announcement came as the United Nations Security Council prepared to vote on a French-drafted resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until August 31, 2026. UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 to separate Israeli and Lebanese forces and has faced opposition from the U.S. and Israel regarding its future role.
Sources: Associated Press, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Reuters, The Washington Post
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