Israel Doubts US Plans to Disarm Hamas and Hezbollah, Insists IDF Must Lead Security Efforts
Israel remains deeply skeptical of American proposals to disarm Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon through international forces and monitoring mechanisms. Despite US-led diplomatic efforts, including those spearheaded by Jared Kushner, both militant groups have shown no genuine willingness to relinquish their weapons voluntarily. Israel argues it cannot entrust its security to international forces that will not actively confront these armed groups.
The US plan envisions disarming Hamas of its firearms, rockets, underground bunkers, and tunnels, replacing its rule with a neutral technocratic government and deploying a multinational stabilization force composed of soldiers from countries like Morocco and Albania. Similarly, Hezbollah is expected to be disarmed or expelled from southern Lebanon by the Lebanese army, under international supervision. However, Hamas and Hezbollah loudly reject disarmament beyond symbolic gestures and maintain their ideological commitment to Israel's destruction.
Critics highlight that international peacekeepers and monitors will not engage in actual combat against militants, effectively limiting their ability to enforce disarmament. Moreover, recent changes to the peace plan have lowered the standards for weapons control, allowing Hamas to retain "personal weapons" and store arms under Palestinian law, while the new stabilization force is tasked only with separating Gaza from Israel, not policing Hamas. This shift undermines Israel's security and restricts the IDF's ability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations, which have reportedly decreased under US pressure.
Reports indicate Hamas has rebuilt its military strength to approximately 40,000 fighters, using reconstruction materials entering Gaza to restore its arsenal. Israeli officials warn that continuous pressure through targeted strikes is essential to prevent militant regrouping and attacks. The article stresses that Israel must maintain freedom of action to respond forcefully to threats and cannot rely solely on diplomatic initiatives that have repeatedly failed to neutralize these groups.
There is broad consensus across Israeli political and military leadership, including figures like Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, that the IDF must remain on the offensive against Hamas and Hezbollah. Skepticism also extends to the feasibility of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, given the Lebanese army's weakness and Hezbollah's Iranian backing. Past experiences with UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have shown limited effectiveness. The author concludes that while diplomatic efforts deserve credit, Israel must prioritize robust military action to ensure its security.
