Lebanese army rejects reports its officers oppose Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon

The Lebanese army on Wednesday rejected Israeli media reports claiming that Lebanese officers oppose an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon over fears of Hezbollah’s return, describing the reports as fabricated and warning of a campaign aimed at undermining the military. In a statement, the army referred to recent “claims attributed to hostile Israeli media” concerning its positions and missions in southern Lebanon, as well as what it called “fabricated news.” The army stressed that its personnel remain committed to its directives and assigned missions and are carrying out their duties based on their national responsibility to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability, “away from any other calculations or considerations.” It said the military continues to enjoy the confidence of friendly and allied countries that support it because of their belief in its importance, particularly amid Lebanon’s exceptional circumstances and the challenges it faces. The army warned that the timing of the rumors and their promotion during a “highly delicate and sensitive” period highlights the seriousness of efforts to target the military and its leadership, sow doubt within the institution and undermine trust between the army and Lebanese people. It stressed that disinformation campaigns, regardless of who is behind them, “will not affect the cohesion of the military institution or its performance of its duties,” adding that they will not deter the army from carrying out its missions to safeguard Lebanon’s security and stability. The army called on all parties to assume their national responsibilities, avoid being drawn into rumors or helping spread them, and rely on official military sources for information concerning the army. Israeli reports The statement came a day after Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported, citing an unnamed “senior” US official, that Lebanese officers oppose an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon “for fear of Hezbollah’s return.” The official claimed that “Lebanese army officers had told the US they opposed an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon at this stage, fearing it could allow Hezbollah to return to the area,” the broadcaster reported. The official said the US is working with Israel and Lebanon to establish future security arrangements, adding that “this will take time.” The broadcaster also reported what it described as Israeli “dissatisfaction” with the Lebanese army’s performance in areas covered by a pilot zone, about a month and a half after implementation began. It further claimed Hezbollah members remain in several areas, including the Ali al-Taher mountain range north of Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh province, where Israeli shelling has continued daily. Israel intensified airstrikes and shelling on Nabatieh late Tuesday and early Wednesday, causing widespread material damage and sparking tension and fear among residents, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The Israeli army claimed it had targeted “Hezbollah infrastructure” in response to the group launching two explosive-laden drones toward its troops in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah had not yet commented on the claim. KAN said that, according to Israeli assessments, most of the Hezbollah members believed to be in the area had been killed, while Israeli security officials are considering whether to maintain control of the mountain range or hand it over to the Lebanese army. The developments come amid efforts to consolidate security arrangements linked to the “framework formula” agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26. The agreement calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army there and the disarmament of armed groups, referring to Hezbollah. Israel’s aggressions on Lebanon have continued since March 2, killing more than 4,000 people, injuring over 12,000 and displacing more than 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since its war on Lebanon in 2023-2024, while expanding its presence inside Lebanese territory during its current offensive.