Friday World January 9, 2026
Tensions in the Middle East have once again reached a boiling point.** US President **Donald Trump** has given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a clear "green light" to launch large-scale military action against **Hezbollah** in Lebanon. According to Israel's public broadcaster Kan News, Netanyahu informed his cabinet ministers that the Trump administration fully supports Israel's position on completely eliminating Hezbollah's military capabilities. If the Lebanese government and army fail to disarm Hezbollah, any steps taken by Israel will receive full backing from Washington.
This development emerged shortly after Netanyahu's meeting with Trump** at Mar-a-Lago in Florida at the end of December 2025. Discussions between the two leaders focused heavily on Gaza, Iran, Syria, and the situation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli sources claim Trump explicitly stated that Hezbollah is "behaving badly" and that Israel would have freedom to act if necessary.
Disarmament Process in Lebanon: Progress or Mere Show? On January 8, 2026, the Lebanese army announced the completion of the first phase of its plan to bring non-state armed groups (primarily Hezbollah) under state control south of the Litani River. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the government described this as a significant step, while demanding that Israel halt attacks, withdraw from occupied areas, and release Lebanese detainees.
However, Israel has rejected these claims, calling the efforts an "encouraging beginning" but "far from sufficient." Netanyahu's office stated that Hezbollah, with Iranian support, is rapidly rebuilding its weapons, infrastructure, and command structure. Israel insists that full disarmament of Hezbollah is mandatory under the US-brokered 2024 ceasefire agreement, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Israeli Army on High Alert, Hezbollah on Guard** Israeli security sources revealed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are fully prepared for a broad operation. In recent days, Israel has conducted dozens of airstrikes on Hezbollah weapons depots, tunnels, and positions in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, reports indicate Hezbollah has taken precautionary measures, relocating some weapons northward and reducing its presence in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has repeatedly stated that the group will not discuss disarmament until Israel fully withdraws its forces from Lebanon.
Regional Implications and Risks If Israel launches a new major campaign, it could prove even more devastating than the 2024 war. Lebanon is already grappling with severe economic crisis and reconstruction challenges. Hezbollah supporters and Iran view such action as a potential trigger for a wider regional war, while Israel describes it as a last-resort measure for its security. The Trump administration's support grants Israel greater leeway for aggressive steps, but it risks escalating confrontations with Iran, Syria, and other proxy forces.
The situation is making the start of 2026 even more volatile in the Middle East.
Will the Lebanese government succeed in disarming Hezbollah, or will the region once again plunge into the flames of major war? Only time will tell, but Trump's green light has made it clear: Washington now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World January 9, 2026
