Israel Warns Lebanon: Disarm Hezbollah or Face “Intensified” Attacks

Israeli officials have issued a direct and stark warning to the Lebanese government, stating that Israel is prepared to “intensify” its military campaign if the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) do not take decisive action to disarm Hezbollah. According to reports from Israeli, Arab, and international media, Israel has communicated that its patience is wearing thin over Hezbollah’s efforts to re-arm in violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, a senior Israeli military official, speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 news, characterized recent heavy airstrikes in southern Lebanon as “just a preview” of what is to come. The official was explicit: “If the Lebanese Army does not disarm Hezbollah and fails to meet the demands of the cease-fire, Israel, with U.S. backing, will attack Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including in Beirut.”
This message follows a series of public statements from Israel’s top leadership. On Sunday, November 2, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of “trying to rearm” and warned that Israel “will act as necessary” if Lebanon fails to implement the ceasefire. Defense Minister Israel Katz was even more blunt, stating, “Hezbollah is playing with fire, and the president of Lebanon is dragging his feet.” Katz added that the “maximum enforcement will continue and even intensify.”
The warnings are linked to growing Israeli and U.S. frustration with the pace of the LAF’s disarmament operation. While the Lebanese Army has been seizing weapons caches, Israeli officials allege Hezbollah is rebuilding its capabilities “faster than the Lebanese army is dismantling” them.
Israel has reportedly passed intelligence to the U.S. and France, who are monitoring the ceasefire, detailing Hezbollah’s rearmament activities, including smuggling rockets from Syria. The recent wave of Israeli strikes, which have been escalating in frequency and depth, are intended to enforce the ceasefire and signal to the Lebanese government that the current situation is unacceptable.