The Lebanese army has rejected Israeli media reports claiming that Lebanese officers oppose an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon over concerns that Hezbollah could return, calling the reports fabricated and warning of an effort to undermine the military and its leadership.
In a statement on Wednesday, the army dismissed recent claims attributed to Israeli media about its positions and missions in southern Lebanon, stressing that its personnel remain committed to their orders and assigned duties.
The military said its forces are carrying out their responsibilities based solely on their national duty to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability, “away from any other calculations or considerations.”
It also said it continues to enjoy the confidence of friendly and allied countries that support the army because of its importance, particularly as Lebanon faces exceptional circumstances and mounting security challenges.
The army warned that the circulation of the reports during a “highly delicate and sensitive” period reflects what it described as a serious campaign to target the institution, create divisions within its ranks and weaken public trust.
It said disinformation campaigns would not affect the army’s cohesion or prevent it from carrying out its missions.
The military urged all parties to act responsibly, avoid spreading rumours and rely on official army sources for information.
Israeli reports cite unnamed US official
The statement came a day after Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported, citing an unnamed senior US official, that Lebanese army officers had expressed opposition to an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon because of fears Hezbollah could return.
According to KAN, the US is working with Israel and Lebanon on future security arrangements but expects the process to take time.
The broadcaster also reported Israeli dissatisfaction with the Lebanese army’s performance in areas covered by a pilot security zone, while claiming that Hezbollah members remained in several locations, including the Ali al-Taher mountain range north of Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh.
Tensions persist in southern Lebanon
Israel intensified air strikes and shelling in Nabatieh late on Tuesday and early Wednesday, causing widespread material damage and raising tensions among residents, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The Israeli military said it targeted what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure after the group launched two explosive-laden drones toward Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah had not commented on the claim.
KAN reported that Israeli assessments indicated most Hezbollah members believed to be in the area had been killed, while Israeli security officials were considering whether to retain control of the mountain range or transfer it to the Lebanese army.
The developments come amid efforts to implement security arrangements under a framework agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26.
The agreement calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory alongside the deployment of Lebanese army forces and the disarmament of armed groups, referring to Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 and displaced more than 1 million.
