The Lebanese army on Wednesday rejected Israeli media reports claiming that some of its officers oppose an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon because of concerns that Hezbollah could return, describing the reports as fabricated and part of an effort to undermine the military.
In a statement, the army denounced what it called claims circulated by “hostile Israeli media” concerning its positions and operations in southern Lebanon.
The military said its personnel remained committed to their orders and were carrying out their responsibilities to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability “away from any other calculations or considerations.”
It warned that the circulation of such reports at a “highly delicate and sensitive” time appeared intended to create divisions within the institution and damage public confidence in the army and its leadership.
The statement followed a report by Israeli public broadcaster KAN, which cited an unnamed senior US official as saying Lebanese army officers had told Washington they opposed an Israeli withdrawal at this stage because it could enable Hezbollah fighters to return to the area.
According to KAN, the US official said Washington was working with Israel and Lebanon on future security arrangements but acknowledged that the process would take time.
The broadcaster also reported Israeli dissatisfaction with the Lebanese army’s performance in an area where new security arrangements have been piloted. It claimed Hezbollah personnel remained present in several locations, including the Ali al-Taher mountain range north of Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh province.
The Lebanese army did not address the individual Israeli claims in detail but said it continued to enjoy the confidence of friendly and allied countries supporting the military during what it described as exceptional circumstances.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and shelling intensified across parts of Nabatieh late Tuesday and early Wednesday, causing extensive material damage and alarm among residents, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The Israeli military said the attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure after two explosive-laden drones were launched towards Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah had not immediately commented on the Israeli allegation.
KAN reported that Israeli security officials were considering whether to retain control of the Ali al-Taher mountain range or eventually transfer it to the Lebanese army.
The dispute comes amid efforts to implement the June 26 framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, which provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory alongside Lebanese army deployments and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed more than 4,000 people, wounded over 12,000 and displaced more than one million.
Israel continues to hold areas of southern Lebanon, including territory occupied during earlier conflicts and positions taken during more recent military operations.
The Lebanese army urged political groups, media organisations and the public not to amplify unverified reports concerning the military, saying disinformation would neither undermine its cohesion nor prevent it from carrying out its responsibilities.