Lebanese Army is not doing enough to disarm Hezbollah in pilot area, sources tell 'Post'

Israeli officials are expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of a pilot program aimed at disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. According to two Israeli officials speaking to The Jerusalem Post, the Lebanese Army, despite entering the designated area and uncovering weapons caches, is "not doing enough" to dismantle the militant group.

“

it is still not enough.

The security pilot program began on July 20, with Israel, the United States, and the Lebanese Army participating. As part of the initiative, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started withdrawing from three villages, Bir al-Sana, Sarifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, transferring security responsibilities to the Lebanese Army. However, Israeli officials emphasize that the true test lies in whether the Lebanese Army will actively confront Hezbollah's infrastructure and the organization itself.

“

The test will be whether the Lebanese Army enters Hezbollah infrastructure and actually confronts the terrorist organization.

Further talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations are scheduled for September. Israeli officials have made it clear that the pilot program will not be extended to other areas unless the Lebanese Army successfully demilitarizes the current zone. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Sunday that negotiations with Israel have shown progress, favoring a diplomatic path over war. He noted a decrease in Israeli strikes, allowing Lebanese citizens to return to their country, and stressed Lebanon's territorial integrity while acknowledging that the principle of "what is taken by force can only be returned by force" had not proven effective in practice. Aoun expressed a desire for peace and reconstruction in southern Lebanon.

“

Since the framework agreement was signed, the scale of Israeli strikes has decreased, allowing Lebanese people to return and enjoy their country.