Hezbollah Activity Detected in Southern Lebanon Areas Slated for IDF Withdrawal

Hezbollah has been observed operating in three villages in southern Lebanon from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to withdraw as part of an agreement with Lebanon. The organization has begun establishing a presence in these "pilot areas" in southern Lebanon, according to a report by Kan News on Wednesday. Hezbollah's activity, described as limited and under a civilian guise, has been detected recently in these locations.

The agreement, brokered by the United States, designates these areas for IDF withdrawal, with control to be transferred to the Lebanese army. The villages where Hezbollah activity was identified are Froun, Sarfay, and Zoutar al-Gharbiyeh.

According to the report, Hezbollah is attempting to gather intelligence and conduct damage assessments in these areas through local operatives. This operation is reportedly being conducted discreetly, taking advantage of the Lebanese army's reluctance to confront the organization.

A Lebanese political figure opposing Hezbollah criticized the country's handling of the situation. "The Lebanese state is not doing what it is supposed to do. If Hezbollah enters every place Israel leaves, it only shows how critical the issue of disarming Hezbollah is, even before the Israeli withdrawal," the figure stated.

Earlier reports indicated that Hezbollah received $200 million from Iran, intended to aid displaced Lebanese. This is reportedly the organization's first significant aid to its Shiite supporters, who constitute the majority of the displaced population. The funds were transferred in cash last month, amid increasing difficulties in transferring money from Iran to its proxies and due to U.S. economic pressure.