Beirut: The Lebanese army has firmly dismissed reports from Israeli media alleging that its officers are opposed to Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon due to concerns over Hezbollah's return, labeling these reports as fabrications and warning of a campaign designed to destabilize the military.
According to Anadolu Agency, the army issued a statement addressing the 'claims attributed to hostile Israeli media' regarding its operations and stances in southern Lebanon, branding them as 'fabricated news.' The Lebanese military emphasized its continued dedication to its directives and missions, driven by a national duty to protect Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, without any external influences or considerations.
The army highlighted that it retains the confidence of friendly and allied nations which support its operations, recognizing its critical role, especially given Lebanon's current challenges and exceptional circumstances. The statement underscored that the timing of these rumors, during a 'highly delicate and sensitive' period, indicates a deliberate attempt to weaken the military and its leadership, sow internal doubt, and damage public trust.
Reaffirming the army's resilience, the statement asserted that disinformation campaigns will not impact the military's cohesion or its mission execution. The army urged all parties to act responsibly on a national level, to resist engaging with rumors, and to rely on official military communications for accurate information.
The statement was released following reports from Israel's public broadcaster KAN, which quoted an unnamed 'senior' US official claiming that Lebanese officers had expressed opposition to an Israeli withdrawal due to fears of Hezbollah's resurgence in the area. The official noted ongoing US efforts with Israel and Lebanon to establish future security arrangements, acknowledging this process will require time.
KAN also reported Israeli dissatisfaction with the Lebanese army's performance in a pilot zone initiated recently. It alleged that Hezbollah members remain present in several areas, including the Ali al-Taher mountain range, where Israeli shelling has persisted.
In recent developments, Israel intensified attacks on Nabatieh, causing extensive damage and increasing local tensions, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The Israeli army stated it targeted 'Hezbollah infrastructure' in retaliation to explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah, a claim not yet addressed by the group.
The broader context involves efforts to implement security arrangements under the 'framework formula' agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, signed on June 26, which involves Israel's gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese lands in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and armed group disarmament.
Since March 2, Israel's aggression has resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, with over 4,000 deaths, 12,000 injuries, and displacement of more than 1 million residents, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to hold territories in southern Lebanon, intensifying its presence since its 2023-2024 conflict with Lebanon.