Lebanese army rejects Israeli claims of failure to disarm Hezbollah south of Litani River
The Lebanese army on Tuesday rejected Israeli accusations that it had failed to disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its military infrastructure south of the Litani River as required under a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, accusing Israel of spreading misinformation to undermine its credibility amid ongoing negotiations. In a statement, the army dismissed Israeli claims casting doubt on its ability to fulfill its mission in southern Lebanon, stressing that its operations were documented by the committee overseeing the cessation of hostilities. The dispute centers on a military facility in the town of Kfarra in Bint Jbeil district, where Israel accused the Lebanese army of failing to prevent Hezbollah activity. The army said its units began work at the facility in December 2025 but suspended operations on March 16 following Israeli threats to strike the site. It said the suspension was requested by the monitoring committee, which was informed that weapons and ammunition remained inside. Israel subsequently struck the facility. The army said Israel repeatedly blocked efforts to resume operations until work restarted on Aug. 15 in coordination with the committee. The facility was cleared and permanently closed on Oct. 16, it added. The army also disputed Israeli footage purportedly showing Hezbollah transporting weapons, saying it was filmed on July 3 near the southern town of Seddikine shortly after a framework agreement was signed. It said its actions were fully documented by the monitoring committee. The army reaffirmed its commitment to existing agreements while accusing Israel of continued attacks and violations. Earlier Tuesday, Israeli military spokeswoman Ella Waweya accused the Lebanese army of failing to curb Hezbollah activity south of the Litani River. She claimed that Hezbollah had continued operating at the Kfarra facility and moved weapons and equipment from the site, sharing footage she said showed the group transporting arms by truck. Israel has carried out attacks on Lebanon since March 2, killing and injuring thousands of people and displacing over 1.5 million residents. On June 26, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of the Hezbollah group. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued its attacks on southern Lebanon. Israeli forces also continue to occupy Lebanese territory, including areas held for decades and others seized during more recent wars and military operations.