Israel Signals Conditional Military Reduction in Lebanon Amid Disarmament Talks

In a significant political development, Israel announced on Monday its readiness to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon. This conditional reduction hinges on the Lebanese armed forces' effectiveness in disarming Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shi'ite militant group. The Israeli Prime Minister's office released this statement after recent talks with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack.

The decision aligns with a broader, U.S.-advocated strategy aimed at disarming Hezbollah and facilitating an Israeli phased withdrawal. Currently, Israel maintains strategic positions in Lebanon's south, a vestige of their ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah last November. However, the withdrawal plan remains contingent upon Lebanon's armed forces gaining control over the volatile region.

Lebanon's cabinet has already tasked the army with creating a disarmament strategy by December, directly challenging Hezbollah's longstanding influence in southern Lebanon. As part of this diplomatic maneuver, U.S. envoy Barrack emphasized the importance of their plan, urging Israeli compliance. Despite periodic Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, the Lebanese government asserts its intent to reclaim national security sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies.)