Israel is considering allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of a Hezbollah tunnel site, as a test of Beirut's willingness to confront the group, according to a report Monday afternoon. The move would shift the handling of the site from direct IDF action to a diplomatic-security track. No timeline or specific location for the tunnel was stated.
A new report on Monday advances a proposal that was first floated late Sunday: Israel is weighing whether to hand a Hezbollah tunnel site in southern Lebanon over to the Lebanese Armed Forces, rather than handle it directly. According to the report, Jerusalem sees the move as a test of Beirut's willingness to stand up to Hezbollah. No location for the tunnel or a deadline for the decision was given.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, the initial report late Sunday described the option as a potential shift from direct IDF engagement to a diplomatic-security approach probing the Lebanese military's capacity. The current update frames it more explicitly as a test of political will in Beirut.
The assessment comes against a broader backdrop of rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with analysts and officials floating everything from a major campaign to a potential halt in ground operations. The precise tunnel site remains undisclosed, and it is unclear whether any coordination with the Lebanese army has been initiated.
3 developments
- StrongIsrael reportedly considering halt to ground advance in Lebanon
- DevelopingCautious assessment: Recent Lebanon events may push Israel into major campaign against Hezbollah, possibly Iran
- DevelopingLebanese sources fear emerging deal will entrench Hezbollah's power
- DevelopingIsraeli security establishment presses for fast-tracked US-mediated Lebanon talks
Source and signal
- Internal intake