Israel signals gradual withdrawal from Lebanon if Hezbollah disarms

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday hinted at a gradual withdrawal of the remaining Israeli troops from southern Lebanon if the country’s military takes steps to disarm the Hezbollah militia.

“This will happen, if the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah.

“Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF (Israel Defence Forces) presence in coordination with the U.S.-led security mechanism,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

A ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Hezbollah since the end of November, but both sides have accused each other of violations.

Israel still has troops stationed at five posts in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli military continues to carry out attacks in the country on an almost daily basis, saying it is targeting Hezbollah.

People are repeatedly killed in the Israeli attacks.

The Lebanese government is under pressure to implement the ceasefire agreement, which includes the disarmament of Hezbollah.

At the beginning of August, the government in Beirut accepted a US plan that provides for the complete disarmament of the militia by the end of the year.

But the undertaking is set to be extremely difficult and politically risky.

Hezbollah calls for protests

Iran-backed Hezbollah said it will only agree to disarm if Israel halts its attacks in Lebanon and withdraws its remaining troops from the south of the country.

The Shiite militia, along with its ally, the Amal Movement, has called for a protest in Beirut on Wednesday against the Lebanese government’s decision to monopolise all weapons.

In a joint statement, both groups reaffirmed their rights to armed resistance and warned against “submission and capitulation.” (dpa/NAN)