Israel 'appreciates' Lebanon's moves to disarm Hezbollah, offers assistance: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Tel Aviv appreciates the Lebanese government’s campaign to disarm Hezbollah and is willing to support them in their efforts.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office said: "Israel appreciates the important step taken by the Lebanese government, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The recent decision by the Lebanese cabinet to work to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025 was an important decision".

Netanyahu added that Israel will take the step to gradually reduce their forces in the country in coordination with the US, if Lebanese security forces take steps to disarm Hezbollah.

The statement from Netanyahu’s office added that the "decision marks an opportunity for Lebanon to restore its sovereignty and rebuild its state institutions, army, and governance, without interference or influence from non-governmental actors".

"In light of this important development, Israel is prepared to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and work together toward a more stable and secure future for both countries," the statement continued.

Netanyahu’s office also said that it was now time for both countries to move forward in the "spirit of cooperation" and "promoting stability in both countries".

The statement came as both Hezbollah and the Amal Movement called for a protest in Beirut set for Wednesday, to denounce the government’s decision to disarm groups and individuals in the country before the end of the year.

The call for protests is the first such action the groups have carried out following a series of spontaneous marches by their supporters in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and in the south of the country, after the announcement from the government.

The Israeli statement also comes one day after US envoy Thomas Barrack was in Tel Aviv to discuss with Netanyahu the US administration’s demand to "curb" Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Hebrew-language media reported.

Israeli media further reported that the meeting centered on the US’ requests for Israel to "engage in negotiations with Syria".

Barrack is set to arrive in Lebanon on Monday, where he will hold a series of meetings with Lebanese officials.

Lebanon has set out a phased roadmap for armed groups to hand in their weapons, while Israel has said it will halt ground, air, and sea attacks, before withdrawing troops from the south.

Lebanon’s cabinet approved the plan earlier this month, despite facing fierce backlash from Hezbollah.

The Iran-backed group is the only faction that kept its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, doing so in the name of resistance against Israel, which occupied the country's south until 2000.

Israel has kept up raids on Lebanon despite the November truce, mostly saying it is striking Hezbollah targets, and has threatened to keep doing so until the group is disarmed.