Israel Denies Land Ambitions in Lebanon, Conditions Withdrawal on Hezbollah Disarmament
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that Israel harbours no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw "a single millimeter" until the Hezbollah group is disarmed, according to The Times of Israel.
Katz's remarks came on the same day US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla held meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese army chief. The discussions followed a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by the United States, aimed at ending hostilities along the border.
The agreement, as released by the US State Department, requires Lebanon to restore sovereignty over its territory through "verified disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of associated infrastructure." In return, Israeli forces would progressively withdraw from Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah, which Israel and several other countries designate as a terrorist organisation, has criticised the deal, arguing that it imposes conditions that undermine Lebanon's sovereignty. The group and its allies maintain that Hezbollah's arms are necessary for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression.
The Israeli position echoes longstanding demands rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war and called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has retained its arsenal, citing ongoing threats from Israel.
The framework agreement aims to fully implement Resolution 1701 and strengthen Lebanese state institutions, ensuring that only the Lebanese state bears arms. The US Central Command chief's visit underscores Washington's role in mediating the conflict and supporting diplomatic efforts.
Observers note that the situation remains fragile, with periodic exchanges of fire along the border. Katz's statement signals that any Israeli withdrawal depends on tangible progress toward Hezbollah's disarmament, a condition that has been a major obstacle in past negotiations.
