An Israeli source reported that Tel Aviv believes it has “every reason to carry out a broad operation in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah,” stressing Israel’s rejection of the Lebanese army’s statement regarding the disarmament of the party.
The source pointed out concern that a comprehensive confrontation at this time would help the Iranians divert international attention from the ongoing protests in Iran, warning that “Hezbollah,” as he said, is re-equipping itself with weapons and strengthening its capabilities, thanks to the flow of money from Tehran through Turkey. He added that Lebanon is allowing elements of the Iranian “Quds Force” to enter its territory to help the party rebuild its capabilities, pointing out that some of these are moving under diplomatic cover, as happened in the past.
The source confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister “Benjamin Netanyahu” returned from the summit he had with US President “Donald Trump” convinced that the US President would support Israel in any decision it takes, and that Jerusalem and Washington agree that the Lebanese government is weak and unable to disarm “Hezbollah.”
The Israeli source added that the unrest in Iran may or may not lead to the fall of the regime, stressing that Israel is cautious and does not interfere in popular revolutions because any interference may harm the demonstrators. He considered that any broad move in Lebanon could negatively affect the demonstrators in Iran, noting at the same time that the Iranian unrest also casts a shadow on the situation in Lebanon.
Commenting on the Lebanese army’s statement, the office of Prime Minister “Netanyahu” stated that the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon clearly stipulates the need to completely disarm “Hezbollah” to ensure Israel’s security and the future of Lebanon. He added that the efforts of the Lebanese government and security forces are an encouraging start but are not sufficient, given that “Hezbollah” continues to rearm itself and build its capabilities with Iranian support.
For its part, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stressed that, despite the Lebanese statements, the facts indicate that the military structure of “Hezbollah” south of the “Litani River” still exists, considering that the goal of disarming the organization has not yet been achieved, and that the Lebanese efforts are limited. It pointed out that “Hezbollah” is rearming itself with the support of Iran, whose foreign minister is visiting Lebanon today.
The ministry added that “Hezbollah” is rebuilding its strength at a faster pace than the disarmament process, expressing its regret for the existence of what it described as cases of cooperation between elements in the Lebanese army and “Hezbollah.” It affirmed that the Israeli army’s strikes do not hinder the goal of disarming the party but contribute to achieving it, expressing its expectation that the Lebanese army’s efforts to disarm the party south of the “Litani River” and throughout Lebanon will continue, according to the ceasefire agreement.
