Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah and Lebanon (April 8 – 21, 2025)
IDF forces continued taking action to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities and against the organization’s presence in south Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire, and eliminated senior terrorist figures and operatives, including the deputy head of the unit for transferring weapons and funds from Iran; Hezbollah continued placing responsibility on Lebanese state institutions to act against the Israeli “violations.” Secretary general Na'im Qassem said diplomatic solutions had a time limit and if the government made the decision, Hezbollah was prepared to fight at the border; Lebanese government officials called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel to withdraw from the five points it holds in south Lebanon; The Lebanese army uncovered hundreds of weapons and dismantled Hezbollah installations in south Lebanon without resistance from the organization; Discussion over Hezbollah's disarmament intensified. Na'im Qassem, the organization’s secretary general, warned they would confront anyone who tried to disarm them, although senior Hezbollah figures expressed willingness to discuss a “national defense strategy” after Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon. President Aoun said a decision had been made to restrict weapons’ carrying to state security forces, but added that the issue would be resolved through dialogue; The Lebanese army announced the arrest of suspects involved in firing rockets at northern Israel. The detainees were reportedly Hamas operatives, although the movement denied it. President Aoun reportedly decided to disarm the Hamas branch in Lebanon.
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