Netanyahu says he does not trust Beirut to disarm Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he does not trust the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, according to L'Orient Today, citing the Israeli daily Maariv, and Asharq Al-Awsat. Naharnet carried the same remarks on Monday.

He added that Israeli forces would remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon until the group is disarmed, and that Israel would continue its military operations. He described Hezbollah as weakened.

The comments come a day before Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are due to meet in Tampa, Florida. President Joseph Aoun has said Israel is not honouring the US-mediated framework agreement, and the government has ordered more state forces and weapons confiscation in the south.

Lebanese Lobby holds that only the state may bear arms. The answer to doubts about the state is credible, visible action by the army and the judiciary, not armed groups acting outside it.