IDF accuses Lebanese army of taking only ‘cosmetic’ action against Hezbollah

The IDF accuses the Lebanese army of taking only “cosmetic” action against Hezbollah, failing to dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite a memorandum of understanding between Beirut and Jerusalem. A senior Israeli official stated, “They are dealing with cosmetics when it comes to Hezbollah.” The IDF believes the Lebanese army is deterred by fears of a return to civil war conditions. Israeli defense officials argue that Hezbollah's political and military standing has changed, making it vulnerable. The IDF has designated certain areas as “kill zones” for Hezbollah operatives and continues to scan southern Lebanon for terrorist infrastructure, having already conducted airstrikes in the Nabatieh area. US-mediated messages have been exchanged to clarify the IDF's operations. Meanwhile, local Lebanese officials are reportedly demanding Hezbollah remove weapons from their areas, though Lebanese sources claim their army is operating against Hezbollah and will accelerate efforts.