Israel promises to gradually leave Lebanese territory if their northern neighbor disarms Hezbollah

Recently, Lebanon has been taking steps to normalize relations with its neighbor to the south.

Historically, Israel and Lebanon have not been on the best of terms. When Israel declared independence in 1948, Lebanon was one of the Arab states that declared war on Israel. Tensions continued, with both countries fighting multiple wars with each other. On October 1st of 2024, Israel invaded Lebanon under the claim of curbing Hezbollah in the region and protecting Israelis in the north. A ceasefire was declared, which forced Israel to leave the areas they occupied in Southern Lebanon. After the ceasefire expired, Israel kept troops in certain places around the border. The Lebanese government seems to currently have the belief that Hezbollah's aggression is the reason the conflict spilled over into their territory.

This leads us to the present, where Lebanon is beginning the process of disarming Hezbollah. Israel has praised Lebanon's plan to weaken Hezbollah's influence in the country and has even stated their willingness to send support to their northern neighbor. Israel has even gone so far as to say that it would be willing to discuss leaving Lebanese land if things go right. Hezbollah will not go quietly, however. They have warned the Lebanese government that their actions could lead to a civil war, as they have no interest in giving up their weapons without a fight. This is a complicated situation in which Lebanon has to weigh the pros and cons of the attempt to disarm Hezbollah.