German President Demands Lebanon Strip Hezbollah Of Weapons, Or Israel Stays Forever

During his recent visit to Beirut, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier strongly urged Lebanese authorities to continue disarming the terror group Hezbollah.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on February 16, 2026, he emphasized that sustained progress on this front would directly facilitate the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Lebanese territory, thereby restoring full sovereignty in the south.

Steinmeier described his trip as focused on pressing both parties to honor their responsibilities under the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

He stated clearly that the disarmament of Hezbollah within Lebanon must advance steadily, as this step creates the essential conditions for the Israeli army to pull out completely from southern Lebanon.

He insisted that both sides bear equal obligations to implement the ceasefire fully, a message he delivers consistently whether speaking in Israel or Lebanon.

Steinmeier portrayed the agreement itself as a valuable opportunity for lasting stability in the region.

Lebanon’s government previously committed to the disarmament process, and the Lebanese army reported last month that it successfully finished the initial phase.

This covered the territory between the Litani River and the Israeli border, marking tangible early progress toward neutralizing non-state armed presence.

At a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Steinmeier reiterated these points while highlighting Germany’s supportive role.

Aoun, in response, requested that Germany actively press the Israeli side to fulfill the ceasefire terms and evacuate all occupied territories without delay.

He further appealed for German assistance to strengthen the Lebanese army and assume a pivotal position in maintaining security once the United Nations peacekeepers conclude their mandate later this year….See More