Lebanese Army
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is the official military of Lebanon, currently serving as a central but fragile pillar in the 2026 tripartite framework between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States to stabilize southern Lebanon and disarm Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Army (LAF) occupies a complex position in the regional security architecture, often caught between its constitutional mandate to defend Lebanese sovereignty and the de facto military dominance of Hezbollah. Historically, the LAF has avoided direct kinetic confrontation with the IDF, frequently withdrawing from border positions during Israeli ground maneuvers to prevent friction. This pattern was observed in June 2026, when LAF armored units, including M113 APCs, pulled back from Kfar Tebnit as IDF forces advanced toward the Nabatieh region. Despite its official status, the LAF has faced internal and external criticism for its inability or unwillingness to restrain Hezbollah’s activities in southern Lebanon.
Under the June 2026 tripartite framework signed in Washington, the LAF is slated to take on an expanded operational role. The agreement establishes two 'pilot areas'—one south of the Litani River and one north of it—where the IDF will withdraw to allow for LAF deployment. This transition is intended to test the LAF's ability to maintain a security vacuum and prevent the return of Hezbollah infrastructure. However, Israel remains skeptical of the army's independent capabilities; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that the IDF will maintain a security presence along the 'Yellow Line' until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. The LAF's role is thus seen as a gamble by the international community to empower Beirut's leadership against Iranian influence. Recent reports indicate that while the LAF has begun deploying to roads to manage civilian movement and clearing debris in towns like Debbin and Zoutar al-Gharbiya, the full implementation of the withdrawal remains in its early stages, with IDF troops awaiting specific orders on the timeline and scope of the handover.