A senior Lebanese official has warned that Israel may be preparing to launch a military offensive on Lebanon under the pretext of pressuring the government over Hezbollah’s arsenal, as diplomatic contacts intensify to shield vital infrastructure from potential strikes.

According to visitors who relayed the official’s remarks to Kuwaiti Al-Anbaa newspaper, Israel is "preparing for an aggression against Lebanon to pressure the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah." The official indicated that international efforts are underway to secure critical facilities, following the model of the wide-scale Israeli offensive carried out between September 20 and November 27, 2024.

While he did not rule out that Israeli strikes could target the capital, Beirut, he underscored that economic recovery, financial relief, foreign assistance, and reconstruction efforts would only commence once the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons is resolved, in line with the core demand of the international community.

In parallel, a senior Lebanese security source painted a bleak picture of the evolving situation, telling Al-Anbaa that the country may be heading toward a period of intensified Israeli raids.

“More than a strike, less than a war. That's what Israel is doing periodically. Broad offensives cover areas from the south to northern Bekaa, and sometimes even newly targeted zones like the outskirts of Tripoli,” the source said.

Addressing reports of military buildups across the eastern border, the source noted that “troop concentrations under various labels have long existed. This is not new.” He added that the Lebanese Army and all official security forces are maintaining a high level of readiness.

A separate source close to the senior Lebanese official emphasized that negotiations with U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack remain difficult but focused.

“Lebanon is engaged in tough talks with clear objectives, away from deadlines and threats,” the source said.

He explained that any timelines set are “preliminary and flexible,” provided the security situation remains under control and there is political will to reach a solution.

“All parties are operating within a defined framework, with the goal of disarming non-state actors and placing all weapons under the authority of the legitimate state.”

According to the source, the U.S. envoy’s warnings are not ultimatums but cautionary signals urging Lebanon to seize the current international momentum.

“These messages are often expressions of hope that Lebanon will make use of the international and especially Arab support on offer. The country has a long way to go, and it cannot recover, neither economically nor in terms of security, without leveraging this external assistance,” the source said.

Regarding the timeline for Hezbollah’s disarmament, informed Lebanese sources told Al-Anbaa that discussions may take longer than expected. While there appears to be no disagreement over the sequence of events, the process remains complex.