IDF Prepares for Extended Stay in South Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Force Refresh
Following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that Israel would soon withdraw from southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified that Israel has not sought permission to enter Lebanon and does not require approval to remain there. The Israeli security establishment indicated that the IDF is preparing for a potentially prolonged presence in various configurations on Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, Israeli Air Force strikes continue in southern Lebanon, with recent drone attacks targeting Tebnine, Majdal Zun, and the village of Al-Mansouri, where Lebanese reports indicate casualties.
Israeli officials confirmed that no withdrawal orders have been issued yet. IDF forces along the Blue Line continue exposing and scanning Hezbollah terror infrastructure, refreshing their deployments, and preparing for further operations should the ceasefire collapse. Efforts are underway to destroy underground terror tunnels discovered from the Litani River to the Blue Line, including the Ali Taher ridge, similar to recent operations in Majdal Zun.
The IDF's control points provide observation and firepower over the Nabatiyeh area, a Hezbollah stronghold. A pilot project to withdraw from certain areas and transfer control to the Lebanese Army has not yet commenced but is expected to start within days, according to a U.S. source. The IDF assumes Hezbollah is using the ceasefire to regroup and rearm. Israel maintains freedom of action and continues firing to neutralize direct threats, though no deep incursions are planned at this time.
Ahead of a planned two-day negotiation round in Rome next week between Israel and Lebanon, the meeting may be postponed due to Lebanese President Michel Aoun's scheduled visit to Washington on July 21. The U.S. is considering a trilateral meeting involving Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Aoun, but Lebanon opposes a meeting with Netanyahu. Netanyahu's Washington visit remains unscheduled but is tentatively planned for next week.
In security cabinet briefings, Israel described its position as "excellent," highlighting that the agreement effectively severs Iranian influence and grants Israel international legitimacy to remain in a security zone extending 8 to 10 kilometers into Lebanon. This zone allows the IDF to continue dismantling Hezbollah's terror infrastructure until the group is neutralized. Israel plans to hand over two pilot areas to the Lebanese Army, but officials doubt the Lebanese forces can dismantle Hezbollah, anticipating that Israel will ultimately have to act. For now, Israel maintains its security zone, protecting its communities and thoroughly sterilizing the area from terror threats, a historic achievement according to Israeli officials.
