A senior Israeli figure says the new framework agreement with Lebanon keeps the IDF in some 60 captured villages including Beaufort Castle and the Ali Taher ridge, allows Israel to strike Hezbollah operatives approaching the Yellow Line, and could deepen the rift between Hezbollah and Lebanese state institutions — potentially sparking a civil war. He assesses Hezbollah is in severe military and financial distress and had no choice but to accept the deal. Two villages — one south and one north of the Litani — are being handed over as pilot areas for the Lebanese army to clear Hezbollah infrastructure.
A senior Israeli figure assessed Saturday morning that the new framework agreement reached between Israel, the United States, and Lebanon keeps the IDF deployed in approximately 60 captured villages in southern Lebanon — including Beaufort Castle and the Ali Taher ridge — and grants Israel full freedom of action to strike Hezbollah operatives approaching the Yellow Line. According to the source, the agreement may deepen the rift between Hezbollah and Lebanese state institutions and could spark a civil war in Lebanon.
The assessment, published Saturday at 10:19 Jerusalem time, describes Hezbollah as in severe military and financial distress, having lost a third of its fighting force and lacking experienced commanders and logistical rear support. The source said Hezbollah had no choice but to accept the deal in capitulation and is in no position to fight a civil war. Iran had hoped to force an immediate and comprehensive withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but Israel opened a direct negotiating channel with Lebanon that sidelined Iranian influence — a humiliation for the 'axis of resistance,' according to the source.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Saturday (09:08), the framework agreement conditions full Israeli withdrawal on verified Hezbollah disarmament by the Lebanese Armed Forces. Two villages are being handed over as pilot areas — one south of the Litani and one north of it — to allow the Lebanese army to enter and clear Hezbollah infrastructure. The source noted that southern Lebanese residents cannot yet return to their homes, which effectively prevents Hezbollah operatives from re-entering the villages.
2 developments
- DevelopingHezbollah statement implies no full IDF withdrawal, no prisoner release in emerging deal
- DevelopingFull text of Israel-Lebanon framework: gradual IDF withdrawal after Hezbollah disarmament
- DevelopingSenior Israeli figure: Lebanon deal's test is on the ground, IDF must retain freedom of action
- DevelopingAnalysis: Iran leverage limits IDF freedom in Lebanon as Hezbollah is seen rebuilding
Source and signal
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