US Links IDF Withdrawal Freeze to Lebanese Army's Failure on Hezbollah
A senior Lebanese source reports a US campaign linking stalled IDF withdrawal pilots to the Lebanese army's failure to disarm Hezbollah amid upcoming talks.
A senior political source in Lebanon told the Al-Akhbar newspaper that Lebanese officials are facing a new campaign targeting the Lebanese Armed Forces, which coincides with an American proposal regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah. According to the source, a US security official who visited Israel subsequently met with Lebanese leaders, emphasizing that the suspension of activity in the pilot areas for an IDF withdrawal is due to the Lebanese army's failure to disarm Hezbollah.
Hezbollah Activity in Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah has been working to reestablish its presence in southern Lebanon by utilizing affiliated organizations under the guise of civilian rehabilitation. Prominent among these are the Islamic Health Organization, which is subordinate to Hezbollah's executive council, and the Watawaunu association, which promotes infrastructure restoration.
The US official asked Lebanese leaders why they fear a civil war and who suggested that Hezbollah could actually confront the national army.
Negotiations and US Stance
The Lebanese source added that discussions revealed Washington has once again adopted Israel's position, asserting that the Lebanese military is unprepared to confront Hezbollah, justifying Israel's freeze on further withdrawal steps. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government has decided to enter the upcoming negotiation round in Tampa, Florida, with a broader agenda addressing Israeli withdrawal, prisoner releases, army deployment, and the future of UNIFIL forces.
