In direct talks with the Lebanese government scheduled for Tuesday, Israel is expected to seek guarantees from Washington and Beirut for Hezbollah’s full disarmament, not only south of the Litani River but across Lebanon, diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor. Israel’s willingness to engage directly with Beirut marks a notable shift after initially rejecting Lebanon’s proposal, though its objectives remain far-reaching.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the talks around two goals: disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations with Lebanon. Yet Israeli officials acknowledge that fully dismantling the group — long entrenched in Lebanon’s political and military landscape — is not a realistic short-term outcome. Instead, the focus is shifting toward weakening Hezbollah enough for Lebanon’s state institutions to act more decisively, potentially with sustained US and international backing.

Netanyahu has tasked Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, with leading the talks, signaling caution despite the ambitious agenda. Leiter, who has served in various political and geopolitical advisory roles for Netanyahu and late Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has no prior experience leading major diplomatic negotiations. If the process shows progress, Netanyahu’s close associate Ron Dermer is expected to take over, bringing the authority to make decisions on the spot and potentially accelerate the pace of the talks.

Disarming Hezbollah