Lebanese Army Fears Hezbollah Return if IDF Withdraws from South Lebanon

Israel is reportedly dissatisfied with the progress made by the Lebanese army in pilot zones in southern Lebanon tasked with disarming Hezbollah. A month and a half after the initiative began, Israel deems the on-the-ground advancements insufficient, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan. These areas are intended as a test for a broader application of a process aimed at removing Hezbollah's infrastructure and weapons from the Israeli border.

Adding to the complexity, a senior U.S. official stated that some Lebanese army officers themselves do not desire an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon at this stage. These officers reportedly fear that an IDF departure would allow Hezbollah to quickly re-establish its presence in areas from which it has been removed.

"We are working with both parties to reach a future arrangement, but it will take time," the U.S. official commented, highlighting the challenges in implementing Hezbollah's disarmament. Israel is seeking assurances that Iran-backed Hezbollah will not be able to restore its military presence in southern Lebanon before considering any changes to its own deployment in the region.