Media: Netanyahu eyes Hezbollah disarmament as Israel opens direct talks with Lebanon

In direct talks with Lebanon scheduled for April 14, Israel is expected to seek guarantees from Washington and Beirut for the full disarmament of Hezbollah, extending beyond the Litani River to all of Lebanon, diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor.

The move marks a notable shift after Israel initially rejected Beirut’s proposal for direct engagement, though its objectives remain expansive.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the talks around two core goals: disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations with Lebanon. However, Israeli officials acknowledge that dismantling the group in the short term is unrealistic, given its deep entrenchment in Lebanon’s political and military structures. Instead, the strategy appears to focus on weakening Hezbollah sufficiently to enable Lebanese state institutions to act more decisively, potentially with sustained US and international backing.

Netanyahu has appointed Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, to lead the negotiations, signaling a cautious approach. Should progress materialize, close Netanyahu ally Ron Dermer is expected to take over, bringing greater authority to accelerate decision-making.

Over the past year, Israel has argued that the Lebanese army has failed to implement the November 2024 agreement mandating Hezbollah’s disarmament, initially south of the Litani River and later nationwide. While the Lebanese army announced on Jan. 8 that it had completed the first phase, Israel remains skeptical, maintaining troop positions along key border areas. Netanyahu described the effort as “an encouraging beginning” but “far from sufficient,” citing Hezbollah’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its “terror infrastructure” with Iranian support.

“Israel seeks to see Hezbollah weakened to the point that the Lebanese political leadership is no longer afraid of it or at least feels strong enough to take significant steps to disarm it,” said Orna Mizrahi of the Institute for National Security Studies. “That is why Israel’s endgame has changed… The goal now is to reach a situation where Hezbollah no longer poses an immediate threat to Israel.”

Michael Harari noted that Israel is weighing continued military pressure alongside diplomatic efforts. “It can insist on a mutual ceasefire… or… a unilateral ceasefire,” he said, suggesting either outcome could advance Israel’s objectives.

A senior Israeli security source added, “That won’t change overnight,” referring to the Lebanese army’s capacity, but indicated Israel may allow time if Hezbollah halts attacks.

Despite international support, strengthening the Lebanese military would require significant additional investment. Longstanding disputes, including over Shebaa Farms, continue to complicate prospects for normalization.

By Vafa Guliyeva