Hezbollah civil arm active in Lebanon pilot zone, putting Beirut-Jerusalem agreement in question

Hezbollah's civil health organization remains active in a southern Lebanese pilot zone, casting doubt on Beirut's commitment and capacity to enforce a US-brokered agreement aimed at limiting the group's influence. Hezbollah's Islamic Health Organization is reportedly still operating in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, one of the initial pilot zones designated to be free of the group's presence.

This situation challenges the effectiveness of the agreement, which began with the Lebanese army deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah following the IDF's withdrawal. Recent documentation, including acknowledgments from Hezbollah itself, confirms the continued operation of its Islamic Health Organization within the municipality. An analysis by the Alma Research and Education Center suggests this indicates that the return of Shiite residents to southern Lebanon will also facilitate Hezbollah's resurgence.

While appearing civilian, the Islamic Health Organization functions as Hezbollah's medical corps, operating under the group's executive council. Its personnel and infrastructure have been utilized for dual purposes, including transporting operatives and weapons in ambulances and establishing Hezbollah operational centers within clinics. Researchers note it remains unclear if Hezbollah's civil branches were explicitly banned from these pilot zones, acknowledging the inherent risk of exploitation for espionage or other activities.

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it was unclear whether Hezbollah’s civil branches were explicitly banned from the pilot zones in addition to its armed fighters.