Israel expresses dissatisfaction with Lebanese Army performance in south Lebanon and considers whether to retain or hand over the Ali al-Taher ridge to the military.
Israel is dissatisfied with how the Lebanese Army has performed in the so-called pilot zones in south Lebanon since the mechanism began roughly one and a half months ago, according to Israeli public broadcasting.
Lebanese Army officers have told Washington they oppose a rapid Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon at this stage, fearing Hezbollah would return to former positions, a senior U.S. official said. Work is underway with both sides on a future arrangement, though the process will take time.
Hezbollah members remain present at the Ali al-Taher ridge, but Israeli assessments suggest most at the site have been killed. Israeli media reported between 10 and 15 Hezbollah members are still inside, with Israel controlling by fire and monitoring roughly 12 tunnel entrances through sensors and drones.
The Israeli security establishment has been discussing two options for several days: maintaining Israeli control of the Ali al-Taher ridge or transferring it in an organized manner to the Lebanese Army.
Israel has informed the United States of these developments ahead of the resumption of direct Lebanon-Israel talks planned for next month.
Political sources said no date has been set for the eighth round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese presidency is awaiting a response from the American mediator regarding Israeli demands before a meeting can be scheduled in Rome.
The Israeli demands include granting the Lebanese Army authority to intervene, conduct searches, and enter homes and private properties, as well as control of the Ali Taher hill and the surrender of Hezbollah's weapons, according to the sources. These conditions are considered impossible to meet.
