Lebanese Report: U.S. Warns Israel Could Strike Hezbollah if It Keeps Its Weapons Into 2026

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported today that American envoy Morgan Ortagus delivered a warning to Lebanon, that if Hezbollah does not hand over its weapons by early 2026, Israel will launch major strikes against it. The newspaper said the message came from European sources in Beirut and was part of the ongoing discussions between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon have already begun a new round of talks meant to bring stability to the south and deal with Hezbollah’s military activity more than a year since the ceasefire agreement between the two was signed. One of its key clauses stated that only the Lebanese Army would be allowed to operate in southern Lebanon. According to the report, the reality on the ground shows that this clause was never carried out, and many believe a new battle may be getting close.

In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah continues strengthening its forces, with Iran also involved. Lebanese reporting noted that since the ceasefire was signed, the IDF has killed about 360 Hezbollah terrorists, roughly one each day.

According to the European sources, the American message said Israel would carry out heavy strikes, especially in Beirut’s Dahiya district and in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, if Hezbollah does not give up its precision missiles and UAVs before 2026.

The newspaper also cited Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, who warned U.S. envoy Tom Barak that “any significant strike against the Shiites in Lebanon will have consequences for the region, including Iraq.” He reportedly asked Washington to pressure Israel to stop its attacks in Lebanon.

The report said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently raised the level of representation in the joint committee that oversees the ceasefire, but this did not remove the possibility of an Israeli attack. Lebanese sources added that the Egyptian initiative, which called for full disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River and a commitment not to use weapons north of it, has faded. Hezbollah claims the agreement applies only to the area south of the Litani.

U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa said the diplomatic process with Lebanon is separate from Israel’s war with Hezbollah. After meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, he said, “Israel separates between negotiations with the Lebanese government and its war with Hezbollah, and what is happening is an attempt to reach a solution.”

The report also described discussions about possible economic cooperation. Lebanese representative Simon Karam said Lebanon first wants “the end of the occupation, the cessation of attacks and the return of residents to their homes and villages without interference.” Lebanese sources added that U.S. envoy Barak said “disarming by force is difficult, and you cannot convince people to give up their weapons without offering them an alternative.”