Zamir: Disarming Hezbollah cannot be achieved through an agreement with the Lebanese government

During the visit, Zamir issued directives regarding the readiness of the forces, enhancing their operational readiness, and maintaining a high level of alertness, according to the statement.

Zamir claimed that the Israeli army "achieved many important operational achievements and weakened Hezbollah" in Lebanon.

He added that the Israeli army is "determined to strip the area south of the Litani River of Hezbollah's military presence," alongside moving towards disarming the party.

Zamir said: "This goal (disarming Hezbollah) cannot be achieved as part of a desired agreement with the Lebanese government unless the Lebanese army significantly improves its effectiveness on the ground."

He continued: "We will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its strength, restore its capabilities, or re-establish infrastructure in the region."

Zamir's statements came after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed on Tuesday that his country's army is "fully performing its duties" in the south, categorically denying Israeli allegations of its shortcomings in performing its tasks.

During his reception of Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, Aoun said that the army has strengthened its deployment in the non-occupied villages and other areas in the south, and is "fully performing its duties in maintaining security, preventing armed demonstrations, and helping residents return to their villages," according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency.

He stressed that there is "absolutely no truth" to Israeli allegations that the Lebanese army is "deficient" in performing its tasks.

Aoun pointed out that Lebanese military personnel are also performing their duties in controlling the eastern and northern borders, combating terrorism, and maintaining civil peace, despite the limited resources available to them.

He explained that Lebanon has requested sister and friendly countries, especially European ones, to support the military institution with the necessary equipment and facilities to enable it to perform its tasks.

Aoun noted that this file will be the focus of discussion at the "Paris Conference" hosted by France on Thursday to support the army and internal security forces.

On June 26, 2026, Lebanon and Israel signed a "framework agreement" in Washington, sponsored by the United States, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in conjunction with the deployment of the Lebanese army.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some of which have been there for decades and others since its aggression on Lebanon between 2023 and 2024, while it has expanded the scope of its occupation within Lebanese territory during its current aggression.