Israeli Channel 14 reported that with the approaching end of the deadline set for December 31, 2025, for dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons, and without a tangible change on the ground, the debate within Israel has renewed regarding the possibility of resorting to a military confrontation with the party, taking into account that the final decision remains contingent on complex political and security factors.
The channel quoted retired Israeli army Brigadier General Oren Solomon, during a media interview, as saying that the expiration of the deadline does not necessarily require launching an immediate military operation. He added: “In an ideal world, the end of the ultimatum would have led to a direct move, but in matters of national security, decisions are not made in this way,” pointing to the many variables that affect decision-making, including international relations and increased coordination with the United States after the recent developments related to Iran.
Solomon also explained, as mentioned by Channel 14, that the Israeli army continues to prepare for various potential scenarios, noting that the available options range from launching large-scale fire strikes, or engaging in limited combat days, in addition to preparing for the possibility of carrying out a ground operation inside Lebanese territory, if a political decision is issued to do so.
Solomon warned against complacency as a result of recent Israeli military successes, stressing that Hezbollah still possesses significant capabilities. He pointed out that the party possesses thousands of precision missiles and drones, in addition to a large stockpile of rockets, noting that the “Radwan” force has undergone reorganization and development, not only on the ground, but also in the maritime domain.
He added that any potential confrontation with Hezbollah would be different and more complex, and may include large-scale clashes and losses in the ranks of the Israeli army, considering that the next war, if it occurs, will be more intense than the battles witnessed in Gaza.
Solomon concluded, according to Israeli Channel 14, by emphasizing that Israel cannot “completely destroy Hezbollah,” but it is capable of inflicting serious damage on it and imposing heavy costs, stressing that the real debate within the Israeli security establishment is currently focused on determining the timing, form, and scope of the confrontation, and not on the need to prepare for it.
According to the channel, this assessment comes in light of the continuing tension on the Lebanese-Israeli front, and with the increasing talk within Israel about the failure of the political and diplomatic track in imposing the disarmament of Hezbollah, which paves the way for a new phase of precise military assessments.
