IDF to Remain in Southern Lebanon for Years, Residents Barred From Returning
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
An Israeli military official told Sky News Arabic that IDF forces will remain in southern Lebanon for years to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure, preventing residents from returning home. The official criticized the Lebanese army's performance and questioned the effectiveness of UNIFIL. Separately, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea called for Hezbollah's disarmament as vital for Lebanon's functioning statehood, urging Lebanese responsibility.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- IDF forces will remain in southern Lebanon for years to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure.
- Local residents will be barred from returning to their homes in southern Lebanon for years.
- An Israeli military official criticized the Lebanese army as "unruly" and ineffective.
- The official questioned the necessity and effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL.
- Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea called Hezbollah's disarmament essential for Lebanon.
- Geagea urged Lebanon to take direct responsibility for disarming Hezbollah.
An Israeli military official stated that IDF forces are expected to remain in southern Lebanon for an extended period, and local residents will not be able to return to their homes anytime soon. The official, speaking to Sky News Arabic on Wednesday, cited the ongoing efforts to locate and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure still deployed in the region south of the "Blue Line." He explained that identifying and dismantling Hezbollah's established infrastructure in southern Lebanon is a process that will take years.
Consequently, the official clarified that there will be no withdrawal of IDF forces from the area in the foreseeable future, meaning residents will be prohibited from returning for several years. The military source also criticized the performance of official forces within Lebanon, describing the Lebanese army as "unruly" and failing to fulfill its duties properly. He suggested the Lebanese military requires a complete structural reorganization to operate effectively.
Furthermore, the officer expressed doubt about the necessity of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, in the region. He claimed UNIFIL's presence is more detrimental than beneficial to Israel and suggested it would be preferable if the international force were not present at all.
Meanwhile, within Lebanon, calls for disarming Hezbollah continue. Samir Geagea, leader of the largest Christian party in parliament, the Lebanese Forces, stated that "disarming Hezbollah is essential for the existence of a functioning state in Lebanon." He asserted this demand is not a response to external pressure but a Lebanese national priority. Geagea criticized the reliance on a potential US-Iran agreement or Israeli action, urging Lebanon to take direct responsibility for the issue.
Geagea also noted that a framework agreement with Israel faltered because the disarmament of Hezbollah was not implemented, despite this process being linked to an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
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