Netanyahu Gets Green Light from Trump to Destroy Hezbollah

Netanyahu recently informed ministers that Trump has given Israel a green light to carry out a major military campaign against Hezbollah.

By United with Israel Staff

The Lebanese Armed Forces announced Thursday that it has “effectively and tangibly” completed the disarmament of southern Lebanon, except for areas that remain under Israel Defense Forces control.

Israel swiftly rejected the claim, citing the explicit terms of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement and Lebanon’s failure to meet internationally backed disarmament obligations.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the agreement “clearly stipulates the complete disarmament of Hezbollah,” calling it “essential for Israel’s security and for Lebanon’s future.”

While describing Lebanese efforts as “an encouraging beginning,” the statement stressed they are “far from sufficient,” pointing to Hezbollah’s continued efforts “to rearm and rebuild its terror infrastructure with Iranian support.”

The dispute comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently informed ministers that Donald Trump has given Israel a green light to carry out a major military campaign against Hezbollah, after the Lebanese government failed to meet a December 31 deadline set by Washington to dismantle the terror group.

At U.S. urging, Beirut approved a plan in September to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. That commitment was reaffirmed as a central pillar of the November 2024 ceasefire deal with Israel, which led to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from most of southern Lebanon, except for five border outposts.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Lebanon is required to demilitarize all armed groups operating on its territory. The Trump administration repeatedly warned that failure to comply would risk renewed hostilities.

On Wednesday, Israel’s national broadcaster KAN reported that Netanyahu told ministers the U.S. has now approved an IDF plan drafted last year for an expanded air campaign against Hezbollah.

While Israel has continued striking Hezbollah targets south of the Litani River since the ceasefire, operations north of the river — including Hezbollah strongholds in the Beqaa Valley and Beirut’s Dahiya district — have been largely restrained.

Anticipating broader Israeli action, Hezbollah has reportedly moved heavy weapons north of the Litani and significantly reduced its presence near the Israeli border.