Israel Demands Removal of Lebanese Officers Suspected of Hezbollah Leaks Ahead of South Lebanon Withdrawal

In recent days, Israeli and Lebanese military officers have initiated a communication channel mediated by the United States to establish clear criteria defining a "Hezbollah-free zone" prior to Israel's planned pilot withdrawal from two villages in southern Lebanon. A source familiar with the matter told Kan News that Lebanon understands Israel's need for precise definitions, based on past experiences and previous ambiguities regarding what constitutes a Hezbollah-free area. Currently, Lebanon is not pressuring Israel to begin the withdrawal, which is expected to start in the coming weeks.

Previously, Israel shared intelligence on Hezbollah activities with the Lebanese army through this mechanism, but the information was leaked to Hezbollah. This time, Israel has provided a list of Lebanese officers, some relatively senior, suspected of passing information to the terrorist group, demanding that these officers be excluded from the new coordination framework.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a closed-door meeting with senior security officials to discuss the situation in Lebanon. So far, Israel has not withdrawn from the two pilot areas. According to an Israeli source speaking to Kan News, Israel is awaiting approval from the Lebanese army and the U.S. Central Command that Lebanese forces are prepared to enter and take control of the designated pilot zones.

Israel remains in a holding pattern not only in Lebanon but also regarding Gaza and Iran. Netanyahu aims to influence the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement, partly through an upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The date for this visit has not yet been set but may occur toward the end of July.