IDF commanders doubt Lebanon's military will effectively destroy Hezbollah infrastructure

Israeli military officials express significant skepticism regarding the Lebanese Armed Forces' (LAF) ability to fulfill their role in dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure along the southern Lebanon border. The IDF believes there is no set timeline for evacuating its positions north and south of the "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon, but anticipates the LAF will eventually be tasked with clearing the area of Hezbollah operatives and facilities.

However, Northern Command officials find it difficult to trust the LAF's capacity to execute this mission professionally and thoroughly. A primary concern is the substantial presence of Shiite soldiers within the LAF, who may harbor sympathies for the Shiite Hezbollah organization, potentially hindering direct confrontation. Consequently, the IDF plans to maintain its presence until the LAF initiates a pilot program demonstrating its commitment and capability.

Under the framework of understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the LAF is expected to provide notification of its readiness to undertake the mission. This includes tasks such as removing explosives, collecting weapons and military equipment, and destroying military positions, bunkers, and tunnels constructed by Hezbollah and Iranian forces over two decades. A security source indicated that Lebanon is expected to provide a date in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the IDF is intensifying its efforts to locate, map, and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. Data from the IDF suggests that approximately 100% of buildings in the western and central sectors of southern Lebanon have been destroyed by Israeli operations, with about 73% affected in the eastern sector. An officer noted that previous promises made by LAF commanders to clear border villages of weapons and terrorists, particularly after Operation Northern Arrows, proved to be unfulfilled due to fear of Hezbollah's retaliation.