The Lebanese military issued a statement accusing Israeli forces of impeding its assumption of security responsibilities in southern Lebanon, citing ongoing Israeli military operations as the primary obstacle to the transition process.
Under a US-backed agreement signed last month, Lebanon was to assume phased control of security in designated areas, beginning with three “pilot zone” villages: Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Srifa. Lebanese troops commenced deployment to the first pilot zone on Tuesday. However, the Lebanese military reported that Israeli forces continued conducting shelling, clearance operations, and combing activities across multiple southern towns, preventing complete Lebanese control and inhibiting the return of displaced residents.
According to the Lebanese military’s account, Israeli operations included bulldozing, shelling, and machine gun activity in numerous locations including Nabatieh, Hdda, Kunin, and Bint Jbeil. The military also reported destruction of civilian infrastructure, including a water project in Markaba and agricultural areas in Aitaroun. Correspondent reporting from Zawtar al-Gharbiya indicated that returning residents encountered homes reduced to rubble, with Israeli forces positioned at village edges and conditioning further withdrawal on the dismantling of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group, has rejected the agreement and demanded Israel’s unconditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Israel has maintained that its continued presence is necessary to combat Hezbollah operations. Palestinian President Joseph Aoun visited Washington last week to seek US pressure on Israel to comply with the agreement terms.
The current tensions follow fighting that began earlier this year, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The lack of a clear Israeli exit timeline has remained a point of contention throughout the agreement’s implementation.
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