Smotrich Drops Bombshell: "Even Khamenei Gave Up on Hezbollah"

Finance Minister and Security Cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich stated on Wednesday that the recent ceasefire agreement with Lebanon offers Israel a strategic advantage and could lead to Hezbollah's full disarmament. Speaking amid ongoing talks over a Gaza deal, Smotrich said, “There’s a real chance Hezbollah will be completely disarmed. Even [Iran’s Supreme Leader] Khamenei has given up on Hezbollah and is completely indifferent to whether it recovers or not.”

Referring to criticism from the right when the government approved the ceasefire deal with Lebanon, Smotrich defended the move: “Back then, as now, I said it was a good agreement. It gives Israel full legitimacy to enforce Hezbollah’s inability to rebuild along the border.”

Smotrich added that the IDF remains in control of five key points inside Lebanese territory. “The IDF has not - and with God’s help will not - withdraw from these positions. The Shiite villages that were destroyed will not be rebuilt. We promised this when the deal was signed, and many doubted us. But we are following through.”

He concluded with a firm warning: “Anyone who tries us quickly understands - enforcement applies across all of Lebanon, even in the heart of Dahiya. If necessary, we’ll take down buildings in broad daylight. No area