IDF Criticizes Lebanon Government for Failing to Uphold Commitments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed strong criticism of the Lebanese government and its army, citing disappointment with their performance in three designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon. A military source stated that commitments made by Lebanon are not being implemented, with Hezbollah attempting to re-establish its presence and Iran continuing its activities in Beirut.

The IDF views the fall of the Ali Taher ridge and the destruction of Hezbollah tunnels as a significant blow to the organization, severely impacting its offensive capabilities against Israel and damaging its morale. Internally, the event has further marginalized Hezbollah within Lebanon, drawing criticism even from its Shia supporters, many of whom have been displaced by the conflict.

Under an agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States, the Lebanese army was tasked with deploying in three areas: Feroun, Sarifa, and Zouqtar el-Fawqa. Their objective was to prevent Hezbollah operatives from operating in these zones and to locate Hezbollah weapons and terror infrastructure. While the Lebanese army was expected to act in these locations, the IDF notes that Hezbollah is reappearing in some areas, outwardly presenting as civilians providing humanitarian aid, but which the IDF interprets as the re-establishment of terror infrastructure.

Furthermore, the IDF understands that Iran is actively operating in Beirut through its Revolutionary Guard Corps and military advisors supporting Hezbollah. The Lebanese government is struggling to assert its authority against this Iranian activity. A significant instance of this struggle was Lebanon's decision to expel Iran's designated ambassador, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, on March 24, 2026, after identifying him as an operative of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. However, the Lebanese government reportedly fears retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah, hindering its ability to enforce such decisions.