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Israeli Army Chief: Hezbollah Disarmament Hinges on Lebanese Army
(MENAFN) Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that disarming Hezbollah under a prospective agreement with Beirut "cannot be achieved" unless the Lebanese army dramatically improves its performance on the ground.
Zamir made the comments while visiting the army's 91st Division stationed in southern Lebanon, joined by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, and other senior commanders, according to an army statement.
He ordered troops to maintain readiness and a high state of operational preparedness given ongoing regional developments.
Zamir claimed the Israeli army had "achieved many significant operational accomplishments and weakened Hezbollah" inside Lebanon. He said Israel remains determined to eliminate Hezbollah's military presence south of the Litani River and push forward with disarming the group.
"This goal cannot be achieved within the framework of a desired agreement with the Lebanese government unless the Lebanese army significantly improves its effectiveness on the ground," Zamir said.
"We will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its strength, restore its capabilities or reestablish infrastructure in the area," he added.
His comments came a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his country's army was "fully carrying out its duties" in the south, firmly pushing back against Israeli claims that Lebanese forces were falling short.
Meeting with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, Aoun said the Lebanese army had widened its deployment across villages outside Israeli-occupied territory and other southern areas, working to maintain security, curb armed activity, and help residents return to their towns and villages.
Aoun said there was "absolutely no truth" to Israeli allegations that the Lebanese army was neglecting its responsibilities.
He added that Lebanese troops were simultaneously securing the country's eastern and northern borders, fighting terrorism, and preserving civil peace despite operating with limited resources. Aoun said Lebanon had appealed to friendly nations—particularly in Europe—for equipment to help the military carry out its mission.
That appeal is expected to feature prominently at a conference in Paris on Thursday aimed at backing the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered framework agreement in Washington in June, laying out a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon alongside expanded deployment of the Lebanese army.
Israel, which launched its most recent offensive in Lebanon in March following Hezbollah's retaliation for the US-Israeli war on Iran, continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon—including positions held for decades and others seized during recent military operations.
Zamir made the comments while visiting the army's 91st Division stationed in southern Lebanon, joined by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, and other senior commanders, according to an army statement.
He ordered troops to maintain readiness and a high state of operational preparedness given ongoing regional developments.
Zamir claimed the Israeli army had "achieved many significant operational accomplishments and weakened Hezbollah" inside Lebanon. He said Israel remains determined to eliminate Hezbollah's military presence south of the Litani River and push forward with disarming the group.
"This goal cannot be achieved within the framework of a desired agreement with the Lebanese government unless the Lebanese army significantly improves its effectiveness on the ground," Zamir said.
"We will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its strength, restore its capabilities or reestablish infrastructure in the area," he added.
His comments came a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his country's army was "fully carrying out its duties" in the south, firmly pushing back against Israeli claims that Lebanese forces were falling short.
Meeting with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, Aoun said the Lebanese army had widened its deployment across villages outside Israeli-occupied territory and other southern areas, working to maintain security, curb armed activity, and help residents return to their towns and villages.
Aoun said there was "absolutely no truth" to Israeli allegations that the Lebanese army was neglecting its responsibilities.
He added that Lebanese troops were simultaneously securing the country's eastern and northern borders, fighting terrorism, and preserving civil peace despite operating with limited resources. Aoun said Lebanon had appealed to friendly nations—particularly in Europe—for equipment to help the military carry out its mission.
That appeal is expected to feature prominently at a conference in Paris on Thursday aimed at backing the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered framework agreement in Washington in June, laying out a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon alongside expanded deployment of the Lebanese army.
Israel, which launched its most recent offensive in Lebanon in March following Hezbollah's retaliation for the US-Israeli war on Iran, continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon—including positions held for decades and others seized during recent military operations.
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