The IDF has admitted that its goal of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon is unrealistic, as it would require the military to launch a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, which it will not do, The Jerusalem Post learned on Friday morning.
The military also stated that it was unable to fully disarm areas of southern Lebanon in late 2024, but is making an effort to do so now. The IDF's biggest challenge in disarming Hezbollah is likely caches of self-propelled rockets spread out north of the Litani River.
The IDF's divisions in Lebanon are expected to finish taking control of territory eight to 10 km from the border with Israel within the next week, in a move that would diminish Hezbollah's capabilities to fire anti-tank missiles into Israel and extend warning times for missiles from Lebanon.
Five IDF divisions that were previously reported to have operated in Lebanon are set to complete the capture of territory near the Litani River. The IDF's 36th and 91st divisions are deep in Lebanon, while two other divisions are operating along the border with Lebanon. The 146th Division is operating on the Lebanese coast. In mid-March, it was reported that the 98th Division could join the invasion.
Previously, the IDF used the Air Force to strike rocket launches in southern Lebanon, particularly in the Bekaa Valley. Having troops on the ground in areas up to the Litani River suggests the military is working to mitigate the threat.
IDF to maintain buffer zone in Lebanon after conflict with Hezbollah finishes
The IDF also noted that once the current conflict with Hezbollah is over, the military will likely hold a security zone of two to four km. into southern Lebanon with large numbers of soldiers.
In this zone, the military will be able to track and attack Hezbollah all the way to the Litani, though no Israeli troops will be stationed between four km. into Lebanon and the Litani.
This is different from the period after the Second Lebanon War from 1982 to 2000, when IDF soldiers were stationed up until the Litani River.
Israel's first line in Lebanon is at the border with Israel. The second line is about three to five km. from the border, while the third is near the Litani River, some eight to 10 km. into Lebanese territory.
The IDF also announced that 1,000 Hezbollah members have been killed since the start of the renewed conflict with the terror group.
