IDF Prepares for Complex Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon Amid Political Agreement

Following a political agreement framework between Israel and Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are finalizing operational preparations for a complex withdrawal from foothold positions in southern Lebanon. In recent days, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has held a series of security discussions with the General Staff forum, including heads of key military branches such as the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Air Force, and the Northern Command. These discussions focused on approving plans for extreme scenarios during the withdrawal, including a smooth, monitored retreat supported by aerial and ground surveillance, as well as potential Hezbollah attempts to ambush retreating forces using lone militants, terrain cover, drones, and anti-tank missiles.

The IDF also examined broader escalation scenarios, including possible Iranian attacks in response to the implementation of the Israel-Lebanon agreement. Defense Minister Israel Katz has highlighted the risk of escalation with Iran, including renewed strikes in Tehran. As part of the preparations, Lt. Gen. Zamir personally toured southern Lebanon to review geographic points and refine deployment plans. He instructed the head of the Logistics, Technology, and Procurement Directorate to enhance protective measures for soldiers, integrating various defensive networks, protective walls, and advanced technologies developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense.

A key focus is improving defenses against anti-tank threats and explosive drones, which pose significant challenges during the concentration and withdrawal phases. Zamir emphasized to commanders that transitioning from ceasefire defense to broad offensive operations and prolonged escalation requires readiness for rapid timelines. The IDF is thus preparing for a highly complex and potentially volatile operational environment as it executes the withdrawal in coordination with the ongoing political process.