Military Expert Warns: Prepare for War with Hezbollah

Col. (res.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and former head of the IDF Military Intelligence Syria and Lebanon Desk, is warning that Lebanon’s recent decision to disarm Hezbollah has created an extremely volatile situation — one that could lead to war.

Speaking to Channel 14, Neriah said Hezbollah is ignoring the decision, considers it a “grave sin,” and is actively preventing its implementation. He noted that so far, only the Lebanese Army’s presence between protesters and Christian areas has prevented violent clashes. Any Iranian intervention, he cautioned, could ignite the situation.

Neriah referenced recent statements by the IDF Northern Command commander on Hezbollah’s war preparations and urged Israel to remain vigilant and continue striking the organization.

He also addressed U.S.-led proposals, spearheaded by Thomas Burke, noting they would only be viable if Hezbollah fully withdraws from southern Lebanon. “I wish we could reach a situation where Hezbollah ceases to be a threatening organization,” he said, “but the situation in Lebanon is so sensitive that such public statements are considered treason.”