The Netherlands is expanding its backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of a strategy to help Beirut weaken and push Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, according to a Dutch daily De Telegraaf report. The move follows an earlier announcement that the Netherlands would deploy commando forces to train and advise the Lebanese army.
The Netherlands is escalating support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in an effort to help Beirut weaken and push Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, Dutch daily De Telegraaf reported Wednesday. The report expands on an earlier announcement (as The Zioneer reported at 08:03 Wednesday) that the Netherlands would deploy special commando forces to train, guide and accompany the Lebanese army, embedding advanced technological systems. The new report frames the Dutch assistance as a broader strategic push — not just training, but a concerted effort to curb the Iran-backed militia's military and political influence in southern Lebanon.
Earlier this week, the Dutch chief of defense visited Lebanon for several days, a visit that preceded the initial report. The initiative aligns with wider international and regional efforts to bolster the new Lebanese government and reduce Hezbollah's sway: Saudi media earlier this month described a Riyadh initiative intended to support the new government and curb Hezbollah and Iranian activity. The Lebanese foreign minister recently labelled Hezbollah an "unlawful military organization" and "Iranian arm." No further details were provided on the scale or timeline of the Dutch assistance. The report has not been officially confirmed by the Dutch or Lebanese governments.
2 developments
- DevelopingHegseth says US to boost support for Lebanese army to curb Hezbollah
- DevelopingLebanese army deploys on roads to southern Lebanon to block civilian movement
- DevelopingLebanese sources report IDF destroying Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon
- DevelopingHezbollah escalates fighting along northern front, sources report
Source and signal
- Open-source intake