An 'Israeli' tank is positioned on the 'Israel'-Lebanon border.
‘Israel’ refuses to dismantle military positions in southern Lebanon
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- ‘Israel’ refuses to dismantle five military positions in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire agreements.
- Tensions remain high as US-mediated mechanisms and Lebanese army plans aim to restore security and enforce disarmament.
Hebrew media reported Tuesday that ‘Israel’ does not intend to dismantle its five military positions in southern Lebanon, which it occupied during its war on Gaza. The report, published by 'Israeli' outlet Walla News, cited an unnamed ‘Israeli’ security official on the eve of a meeting of the US- and French-backed “Mechanism” committee.
The committee, which includes Lebanon, ‘Israel’, and UNIFIL forces, monitors implementation of the ceasefire agreement that entered into effect at the end of 2024.
The official said, “There is no intention to dismantle the five Israeli military positions in Lebanese territory,” occupied since the war between October 2023 and November 2024. The positions are justified by ‘Israel’ as necessary to monitor Hezbollah disarmament and prevent attacks on border settlements.
Threats and alleged casualties
Walla said that the ‘Israeli’ army has killed more than 400 Hezbollah members since the ceasefire. The unnamed official also threatened attacks on southern Beirut if deemed necessary, claiming that Hezbollah continues to coordinate with the Lebanese army.
The statement emphasized that the ‘Israeli’ stance on the Lebanese army remains unclear if cooperation with Hezbollah deepens. “Reliable information has been shared with the Americans regarding this matter,” the official added.
Lebanese response and Mechanism meeting
Lebanon and Hezbollah have not commented immediately. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in December that the army’s first phase of implementing the disarmament plan south of the Litani River, including Hezbollah’s weapons, is nearing completion.
President Michel Aoun said the Mechanism committee meeting on Wednesday will discuss ceasefire enforcement, restoring security in southern Lebanon, 'Israeli' withdrawal to southern borders, release of Lebanese prisoners, and completion of Lebanese army deployment under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted August 11, 2006.
Regional context
The ‘Israeli’ security official described the policy as an extension of an approach under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister ‘Israel’ Katz, applied also in Syria and Gaza.
In Syria, US-mediated talks are ongoing to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement, ensuring ‘Israeli’ withdrawal to pre-December 8, 2024 lines. In Gaza, US President Donald Trump announced plans for the second phase of the ceasefire, expanding partial ‘Israeli’ withdrawals from an area where the army controls over 50% of the territory.
