Lebanese army rejects Israeli reports on officer opposition to withdrawal

Army rejects 'fabricated' reports

The Lebanese army on Wednesday rejected Israeli media reports suggesting its officers oppose a withdrawal from southern Lebanon due to fears of Hezbollah's return, describing the claims as fabricated and warning of a coordinated campaign to destabilize the military institution. In a statement, the military referred to recent "claims attributed to hostile Israeli media" concerning its positions in southern Lebanon, as well as what it called "fabricated news," stressing that its personnel remain committed to defending Lebanon's sovereignty and stability, operating "away from any other calculations or considerations." The army emphasized that it continues to enjoy the confidence of friendly and allied countries that support it because of their belief in its importance, particularly amid Lebanon's exceptional circumstances, and warned that the timing of these rumors during a "highly delicate and sensitive" period highlights serious efforts to target the military and sow doubt within the institution.

Israeli media allegations

The statement responded to a report by Israel's public broadcaster KAN, which cited an unnamed senior US official alleging that Lebanese army officers had expressed opposition to an Israeli withdrawal "for fear of Hezbollah's return." The official claimed that officers told Washington they opposed the pullout at this stage, adding that the US is working with both countries to establish future security arrangements and that "this will take time," according to the broadcaster. KAN also reported Israeli dissatisfaction with the Lebanese army's performance in a pilot zone implemented roughly six weeks ago, and claimed that Hezbollah members remain in several areas including the Ali al-Taher mountain range north of Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh province, where Israeli officials are considering whether to maintain control or hand the area over to the Lebanese army.

Escalation in Nabatieh

Israel intensified airstrikes and shelling on Nabatieh late Tuesday and early Wednesday, causing widespread material damage and sparking tension and fear among residents, according to the Lebanese National News Agency. The Israeli army said it targeted "Hezbollah infrastructure" after the group allegedly launched two explosive-laden drones toward its troops in southern Lebanon, though Hezbollah had not commented on the claim as of Wednesday evening. The developments come amid efforts to implement the "framework formula" agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26, which calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups.

Israel's aggression on Lebanon has continued since March 2, killing more than 4,000 people, injuring over 12,000 and displacing more than 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since its war on Lebanon in 2023-2024, while expanding its presence inside Lebanese territory during its current offensive.