According to Al Jazeera, on August 26, 2025, Israel has announced it will gradually reduce its military presence in Lebanon if the Lebanese government takes concrete steps to disarm Hezbollah, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The PMO emphasized that the reduction of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon would be a “reciprocal measure” contingent on Lebanon’s efforts to disarm the powerful Shiite militant group.
“If the Lebanese Armed Forces take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism,” the statement said.
The move signals an openness from Israel to ease tensions in the region, hinging on Lebanon’s political will to restore control over its military and governance.
The PMO added, “Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations.”
This development follows Lebanon’s recent political announcement by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declaring their intent to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.
The Israeli statement praised this step as “a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military, and governance—free from the influence of non-state actors.”
The timing comes shortly after a visit by top US envoy Tom Barrack, who met in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials.
Barrack, accompanied by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, has been advocating for a plan under which Hezbollah would be disarmed by year’s end in exchange for Israel halting its military operations in Lebanon.
Last week in Beirut, Barrack insisted that Israel should comply with such a plan if peace and stability are to be achieved in the region.
The reciprocal military drawdown offers a potential path toward reducing decades-long hostilities and improving security across the Lebanon-Israel border.
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