Israeli FM Sa’ar rejects Lebanon’s claim that it has disarmed Hezbollah

The foreign ministry noted that some cases there have been instances of cooperation between LAF elements and Hezbollah.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected Lebanon’s declaration that it has secured full control over the area south of the Litani River, warning that Hezbollah’s forces and weapons infrastructure remain firmly in place despite Beirut’s claims.

Israeli officials said the situation on the ground does not reflect the Lebanese Army’s announcement and accused Hezbollah of expanding its capabilities with direct backing from Iran.

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said extensive Hezbollah positions still operate in the sector and that “the goal of disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon remains far from being achieved.”

Although Israel acknowledged steps the Lebanese government and Lebanese Armed Forces have taken, the ministry described those moves as limited and noted that in some cases there have been instances of cooperation between LAF elements and Hezbollah.

Israeli officials also pointed to Iran’s involvement, noting the arrival of Tehran’s foreign minister in Beirut and saying Hezbollah is replenishing its weaponry at a faster pace than the Lebanese state is attempting to dismantle it.

The ministry maintained that ongoing IDF strikes in Lebanon are contributing to degrading Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, saying those operations advance the objective of disarmament rather than hinder it.

The Prime Minister’s Office separately referenced the November 2024 ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon, reiterating that the agreement requires Hezbollah’s full disarmament.

The PMO called the disarmament clause essential both for Israel’s security needs and for Lebanon’s stability.

Lebanon’s announcement earlier in the day stated that the LAF had reached an “advanced stage” in its plan to restrict weapons, claiming it has expanded its presence, secured key areas and established control over most territory south of the Litani, aside from locations it identified as remaining under Israeli control.

That plan was mandated by the Lebanese government in August 2025, with the objective of establishing a state monopoly over arms by the end of that year.

Hezbollah has publicly rejected the government’s disarmament directive and pledged to retain its arsenal.

Israeli assessments say both Hezbollah and Hamas have been rebuilding capabilities in southern Lebanon in recent months, prompting discussions in Jerusalem about a potential new operation along the northern frontier.