Netanyahu's Office: Lebanese Army's Disarmament Efforts Insufficient
By SAM HALPERN and MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
January 8, 2026
In a statement released on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office criticized Lebanon's government and army for their inadequate efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The office cited Hezbollah's ongoing rearmament and infrastructure rebuilding, supported by Iran, as evidence of the army's failure.
The Lebanese army had earlier announced its operational control over the area south of the Litani River, excluding Israeli-controlled zones, and its commitment to monopolizing arms in the region. However, the army's statement did not mention Hezbollah, which had previously agreed to a ceasefire with Israel in November 2024, following heavy losses inflicted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The ceasefire agreement, facilitated by the United States, mandated that only Lebanon's state security forces could carry arms. Yet, since the ceasefire, the IDF has repeatedly targeted Hezbollah operatives attempting to reestablish their presence in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu's office emphasized the need for full disarmament of Hezbollah, as stated in the ceasefire agreement, for the security of both Israel and Lebanon. They acknowledged the Lebanese army's efforts as a positive start but deemed them insufficient, given Hezbollah's rearmament activities.
Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed these concerns, criticizing the Lebanese army's approach as lax and avoiding confrontation with Hezbollah. He argued that the agreement between the two countries had not been upheld, and terror infrastructures remained intact. Gallant highlighted the heavy price paid for the initial dismantling of Hezbollah's missile array and leadership, emphasizing Israel's ongoing obligation to monitor and neutralize Hezbollah threats.
