An Israeli delegation in Washington is proposing the disarmament of Hezbollah as the sole item for negotiation regarding Lebanon [1].
The proposal represents a significant escalation in diplomatic demands, as it seeks to fundamentally alter the security architecture of southern Lebanon by removing Hezbollah's military capabilities.
Dr. Mohanad Mustafa, an expert on Israeli affairs, said the Israeli delegation includes military figures from the Strategic Division and the National Security Council [1]. Mustafa said these officials are carrying a detailed operational plan designed to make the disarmament of Hezbollah the only point of discussion on the negotiating table [1].
The proposed strategy relies on a process described as "sequential cleaning" of Lebanese areas [1]. This mechanism would involve a field-based military partnership between the Israeli army and the Lebanese army to remove weapons from the region [1].
Mustafa said the plan aims to force Hezbollah to relinquish its arsenal to enhance Israel's regional security [1]. The focus of these negotiations remains centered on the southern regions of Lebanon [1].
While these reports emerge from the delegation's activities in Washington, other reports have questioned whether Israel has shifted its stance or stepped back from the goal of completely disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon [2].
“The Israeli delegation in Washington... [is] carrying a detailed operational plan aimed at imposing the 'disarmament of Hezbollah' as the sole item on the table.”
This proposal indicates a shift toward a more rigid military requirement for a ceasefire or peace agreement. By suggesting a joint operation with the Lebanese Army, Israel is attempting to leverage the official state military of Lebanon to legitimize the removal of Hezbollah, effectively trying to isolate the group from its territorial stronghold.
