Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel on Thursday dismissed Lebanese claims of progress in curbing armed groups in the country’s south, saying any steps taken so far fall well short of the commitments made under the ceasefire that ended fighting between Israel and Hezbollah late last year.
The criticism followed a statement by the Lebanese Armed Forces asserting that they have established exclusive state control over weapons in southern Lebanon “in an effective and tangible way.” The army said the campaign, launched under a government directive, has reduced the presence of non-state arms and will continue with efforts to clear tunnels and unexploded ordnance before expanding to other regions.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States leaves no room for ambiguity. “Hezbollah must be fully disarmed,” the statement said, calling this requirement “imperative for Israel’s security and Lebanon’s future.”
While acknowledging some movement by Beirut and the Lebanese army, Netanyahu’s office said the measures amount to little more than a starting point. “These actions are an encouraging beginning, but they are far from sufficient,” it said, accusing Hezbollah of working to “rearm and rebuild its terror infrastructure with Iranian support.”
The November 2024 ceasefire ended roughly a year of cross-border warfare and stipulated that only Lebanon’s official security forces may bear arms in areas bordering Israel. The Lebanese army’s announcement notably avoided naming Hezbollah, the powerful Shi’ite group that has long operated in the south and maintains significant political influence nationwide.
Beirut’s decision last August to advance disarmament plans was taken without Hezbollah’s approval, fueling anger among the group’s supporters. Hezbollah leaders have openly rejected the policy, arguing it benefits Israel and undermines Lebanon’s defenses. Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that stance last month, saying the group would not lay down its weapons “even if the entire world unites in war against Lebanon.”
Israel continues to hold five military outposts in Lebanon and carries out regular strikes, describing the actions as necessary to thwart Hezbollah efforts to rearm.
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