U.S.-Backed Pilot Could Shift Parts of South Lebanon to Lebanese Army Control

Israel and Lebanon are holding recent talks on an American-backed pilot program that would gradually transfer control of parts of southern Lebanon from the Israel Defense Forces to the Lebanese Army. Under the plan, Lebanese troops would first undergo screening in the United States to ensure they have no ties to Hezbollah, while Israel would keep a military presence in the separation zone.

According to Reuters, Israeli officials have confirmed discussions on a trial mechanism designed to create a phased handover of territory. The Lebanese Army would assume responsibility for certain areas only after its soldiers pass strict background checks and receive training in the United States. At the same time, Israel plans to leave forces in the buffer zone to monitor implementation.

The initiative faces sharp internal resistance. Security officials say they oppose any international mechanism in Lebanon that does not involve only American and Israeli forces. They want such a combined force to search the area and verify the destruction of terror infrastructure. A senior security source said the political leadership has set a red line, no withdrawal from southern Lebanon while terror infrastructure and militants remain, while the area is not demilitarized, and while there is a direct threat to northern Israeli communities.

Meanwhile, the IDF is still working to locate and destroy Hezbollah’s underground “refuge cities,” tunnel networks built over about two decades by Iranian engineers and contractors for the organization. These systems reach tens of meters underground and include living quarters, weapons storage sites, and headquarters protected from airstrikes. Northern Command recently praised Military Intelligence for identifying the locations.