Israel Criticizes Lebanese Army's Inaction Against Hezbollah

Israel is expressing strong criticism of the Lebanese army's performance regarding the understanding reached between Beirut and Jerusalem, brokered in Rome. A senior Israeli official stated that the Lebanese army is hesitant to confront Hezbollah, collect weapons, or dismantle infrastructure, actions that are expected of them. This official believes the Lebanese army has already failed this test, engaging in superficial actions rather than addressing Hezbollah's roots in southern Lebanon and leaving the work to Israel or hoping for a regime change in Tehran to trigger a domino effect.

Security officials in Israel believe that the Lebanese government and army fear a return to the civil war era, which deters them from taking broader action against Hezbollah, especially given the organization's threats. However, Israeli security sources argue that Hezbollah has undergone political and military changes and is perceived differently by the Lebanese public, suggesting this is an opportune moment to act.

Intelligence from the IDF indicates that some Lebanese army checkpoints allow Hezbollah operatives to move freely between villages. In response, the IDF Chief of Staff has designated certain areas as "destruction zones," where any identified Hezbollah operatives will be targeted. Regarding the Ali Taher ridge, Israel plans tactical withdrawals to positions that enhance IDF defense and maintain achievements, with clear orders to attack any hostile forces that approach.

Currently, the IDF is continuing to sweep areas in southern Lebanon between the Blue Line and the international border to locate, map, and destroy Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure. Israeli security sources emphasize that while the destruction of this infrastructure has strengthened deterrence, it will not prevent Hezbollah from attempting to rebuild or challenge the IDF. Hezbollah operatives were recently identified and targeted by air strikes in the Nabatieh area.

In recent days, messages have been exchanged between Beirut and Jerusalem, mediated by the United States, aiming to de-escalate tensions. Israel has clarified that its operation on the Ali Taher ridge was intended to destroy terrorist infrastructure targeting Israel's home front and disrupting the lives of Lebanese civilians. Local mayors in southern Lebanon have reportedly begun demanding that Hezbollah remove its weaponry from their areas and have restricted its activities, fearing Israeli strikes on civilian structures.