Lebanese Army Cooperation with Hezbollah Undermines Israeli Security in South Lebanon

The Lebanese army avoids confronting Hezbollah militants, effectively providing them protection and allowing them to remain the dominant force in southern Lebanon. This reality contradicts the dangerous and recurring Israeli political and security assumption that the Lebanese army could replace Israeli forces as a stabilizing presence in the region. Currently, a new plan dubbed a "pilot" proposes that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw from territories recently secured in southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army taking their place under American supervision. However, this plan amounts to a significant Israeli retreat, handing over strategically vital land won at great cost to forces that have neither demonstrated the capability nor the will to confront Hezbollah.

Recent media reports reveal that the Lebanese army not only turns a blind eye to Hezbollah's activities but actively cooperates with the terrorist organization. Far from being an independent sovereign force enforcing law and order, the Lebanese military operates in tandem with Hezbollah, effectively shielding it. Expecting such a force to become a protector of Israel's northern border is either foolish or a grave security negligence. Past experiences with UN Resolution 1701 and UNIFIL peacekeepers, who have often acted as protectors of Hezbollah rather than neutral forces, underscore the futility of relying on external or Lebanese forces for Israel's security.

The movement 'Awake North' strongly opposes the plan, emphasizing that true security for the Galilee and Israel as a whole cannot come from the Lebanese army, UNIFIL, or Hezbollah disguised as peacekeepers. The Zionist historical lesson is clear: security and borders are maintained where there is a Jewish presence. The only moral and security solution is full Israeli military control and extensive Jewish settlement in southern Lebanon. Such a presence would create a living security buffer, preventing future threats to northern Israel.

This perspective is gaining traction on the ground, with families from northern Israel crossing into southern Lebanon, recognizing that Jewish settlement there is the only lasting guarantee of security. The recent breach of the border fence during construction of a new barrier highlights the principle that it is preferable for Israelis to cross and settle beyond the border rather than wait for another hostile invasion from Lebanon. These pioneering families urge the Israeli government to reconsider its approach, investing in settlement rather than costly fences and illusions of security under the Lebanese army's watch. The time has come to accept that only Jewish settlement in southern Lebanon will ensure true and lasting security for Israel.

The article is authored by Anna Slutzkin, a co-founder of the 'Awake North' movement.