Netanyahu: We are ready to withdraw from southern Lebanon if Hezbollah's weapons are removed

In a notable development on the Lebanese-Israeli front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed what he described as the "historic decision" of the Lebanese government to restrict weapons to the state, considering that this represents a "real opportunity to restore Lebanon's sovereignty and build its national institutions," according to a statement issued by his office today, Monday.

Netanyahu confirmed that the decision to disarm Hezbollah, which the Lebanese government intends to implement before the end of 2025, is "essential" and appreciated by Israel, noting that this shift could pave the way for strategic changes in the region.

In a step conditional on the actual implementation of the Lebanese decision, Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army will begin a gradual reduction of its forces in southern Lebanon if the plan to restrict weapons to the Lebanese state proves successful. He said:

 "If Lebanon proceeds with disarming Hezbollah, we will respond with reciprocal steps on the ground."

Netanyahu concluded his statements with a clear call for cooperation, saying that the time has come "to work in a spirit of partnership with the Lebanese side to achieve a common goal of ending the presence of armed militias."

In this context, a Lebanese military source revealed that the plan to disarm Hezbollah will be presented to the Lebanese Cabinet on September 2, which enhances the prospects of entering a tangible executive phase.

These developments come amid increasing regional and international pressures to reduce Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon, with growing international support for any Lebanese initiative aimed at restricting weapons to the state, which is viewed as a step towards stability and building a strong sovereign state.