(MENAFN) Israel announced that it may withdraw troops from southern Lebanon if Hezbollah’s weapons are dismantled, according to statements from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday.

The office welcomed a recent pledge by the Lebanese government to place all arms under state control by the close of 2025, describing the decision as "a momentous decision" and emphasizing it as "a crucial opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions."

Officials further noted that should the Lebanese military carry out the disarmament plan, Israel would consider taking "reciprocal measures," such as gradually reducing its forces in the south in coordination with a U.S.-backed security framework.

The statement stressed, "Now is the time for both Israel and Lebanon to move forward in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared objective of disarming Hezbollah and promoting stability and prosperity for both nations."

This declaration followed a meeting between Israel’s prime minister and a U.S. envoy who has been pushing for Beirut to take steps toward disarming Hezbollah.

Despite these developments, Hezbollah leaders have rejected the idea of giving up their weapons. They criticized Lebanese authorities, accusing them of prioritizing political interests over national defense, and argued that they must "remove Israel first" before addressing the group’s arsenal.

MENAFN27082025000045017281ID1109983560