Tel aviv: Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir stated that disarming Hezbollah through an agreement with Beirut is unattainable unless the Lebanese army significantly enhances its ground capabilities. Zamir's comments came during a visit to the army's 91st Division in southern Lebanon, where he was accompanied by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, and other commanders.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zamir emphasized maintaining troop readiness and high operational preparedness amidst regional developments. He noted that the Israeli army had weakened Hezbollah in Lebanon through significant operational accomplishments. Zamir expressed Israel's determination to eliminate Hezbollah's military presence from the area south of the Litani River and work towards disarming the group. He stressed that achieving this goal within a desired agreement framework with the Lebanese government is contingent upon the Lebanese army's improved effectiveness on the ground.
Zamir's remarks were made a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asserted that the Lebanese army was fulfilling its duties in the south, rejecting Israeli claims of negligence. In a meeting with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, Aoun highlighted the Lebanese army's expanded deployment in areas not under Israeli occupation. He stated that the army was maintaining security, preventing armed manifestations, and aiding residents' return to their towns and villages.
Aoun denied Israeli allegations of the Lebanese army falling short in its duties, asserting that Lebanese troops were securing eastern and northern borders, combating terrorism, and upholding civil peace despite limited resources. He mentioned that Lebanon had sought assistance from friendly countries, especially European states, for military equipment to fulfill its responsibilities. This issue is set to be discussed at an upcoming conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces.
Lebanon and Israel had signed a US-sponsored framework agreement in Washington in June, which included a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Despite this, Israel, following an assault on Lebanon beginning in March due to Hezbollah's retaliation in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, including long-held positions and those seized during recent military operations.