JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL

Israel said Thursday that Lebanon is not doing enough to disarm Hezbollah, despite what it described as initial steps taken by Lebanese authorities to restrict weapons to state control.

In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon “clearly requires the complete disarmament of Hezbollah,” calling it critical to Israel’s security and Lebanon’s future.

The statement said that actions taken by the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces represent “an encouraging start,” but claimed they remain insufficient, alleging that Hezbollah continues efforts to rearm and rebuild its military infrastructure with Iranian backing.

The comment came hours after the Lebanese army announced that its plan to restrict weapons to state authority had achieved the objectives of its first phase south of the Litani River and had entered an advanced stage, while warning that ongoing Israeli attacks and the occupation of Lebanese positions were undermining the process.

On Aug. 5, 2025, Lebanon’s government approved a decision to limit weapons to state control, including arms held by Hezbollah. The army later developed a five-phase plan to implement the decision.

In a statement backed by President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army said the move aims to restore security and stability along the southern border and prevent Lebanese territory from being used as a base for military operations.

The army said that continued Israeli violations, including daily strikes, the occupation of several sites inside Lebanon and the establishment of buffer zones restricting access to certain areas, were negatively affecting efforts to extend state authority.

Israel continues to occupy five Lebanese hilltops seized during the latest war, in addition to other Lebanese territories it has held for decades, despite the ceasefire agreement.

The Lebanese army also cited delays in the delivery of pledged military assistance from partner countries as another factor slowing its deployment.

The army’s statement followed reports by Israel’s public broadcaster that Netanyahu had told ministers that US President Donald Trump had given Israel a “green light” to attack Lebanon, citing Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm.

Lebanon and Israel have observed a ceasefire since November 2024 that ended more than a year of cross-border attacks amid the war in Gaza. More than 4,000 people were killed, and 17,000 others were injured.

Under the ceasefire, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January, but it only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.