Israel doubts Lebanon can disarm Hezbollah

Israeli officials have voiced scepticism over Lebanon's ability to meet its obligations under a newly agreed framework that calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah, Reuters reports, citing sources within the Israeli government.

Despite those reservations, Israeli officials consider the agreement an important diplomatic step toward establishing lasting peace between the two countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented the framework as a landmark achievement that could pave the way for broader regional peace, even as Israeli forces remain stationed in what Israel describes as a security zone intended to protect its northern border.

"We will continue to hold it (territory in the security zone) until Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations are disarmed, and until no further threat to Israel is posed from Lebanon," Netanyahu said on June 27.

Three senior Israeli officials told Reuters they have limited confidence that the Lebanese government can successfully disarm Hezbollah but believe the agreement remains an essential diplomatic foundation for improving long-term relations with Lebanon.

Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah has killed around 4,000 people in Lebanon and displaced roughly one million others.

Lebanese officials quoted by Reuters expressed concern that the framework agreement could trigger political deadlock within the country.

They also questioned whether the Lebanese government has the capacity to fully disarm Hezbollah and establish the state's exclusive authority over the use of force.

"This is not an agreement, it is an imposed settlement," said a senior Lebanese politician who declined to be named.

The official argued that the Lebanese army is neither organised nor equipped to disarm Hezbollah, adding that expecting it to do so overlooks both the group's deeply entrenched military capabilities and Lebanon's delicate sectarian balance.

Political analysts also raised concerns about what they see as an imbalance in the agreement, saying it places extensive responsibilities on Lebanon without guaranteeing a corresponding Israeli withdrawal.

"This agreement has put all the burden on Lebanon," said Beirut-based analyst Michael Young, adding that it "creates a structure that allows the Israelis to remain (in southern Lebanon) indefinitely."

On June 26, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the framework agreement alongside Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hammadé-Mouawad, saying the deal had been reached after five rounds of negotiations.

Under the agreement, Israeli forces will initially hand over control of two areas located south and north of the Litani River to the Lebanese army. Lebanese forces will then gradually re-establish effective state control across the country, while non-state armed groups are to be disarmed and their military infrastructure dismantled, creating the conditions for the eventual withdrawal of Israeli troops.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov