The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on the 25th saying that Israel is ready at any time to support the Lebanese government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
The statement said that the recent approval by the Lebanese cabinet to disarm Hezbollah by the end of this year is a “major decision.” In light of this significant progress, Israel is ready at any time to support Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, and is willing to work together with Lebanon to create a safer and more stable future for both countries.
The statement pointed out that if the Lebanese military takes necessary measures to implement the plan to disarm Hezbollah, Israel will take “reciprocal steps,” including coordinating with the U.S.-led security mechanism to gradually reduce the presence of the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon.
Regardless, on the same day, Hezbollah leader Qassem reiterated in a speech broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV station that they refuse to disarm, stressing that Hezbollah's weapons remain key to maintaining Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense.
He emphasized, “The root cause of Lebanon's issues lies in Israeli aggression backed by the United States,” and that the pressing task is to end Israeli aggression, urging a complete Israeli withdrawal and the release of Lebanese detainees to advance the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty and reconstruction. He said the Lebanese military should strengthen its forces and assume responsibility, and that Hezbollah and other ‘resistance forces’ can play a supporting role.