Israeli army chief urges Lebanese army to implement commitments, disarm Hezbollah in South Lebanon

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said from the heights of the Beaufort Castle area in southern Lebanon that the Lebanese army must fulfill its commitments under what he described as a “historic agreement” and work to clear the region of Hezbollah elements.

According to Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, Zamir said the Beaufort Castle area is a “commanding position filled with terrorist infrastructure,” adding that Hezbollah, with Iranian funding and direction over decades, had established underground systems and tunnels in the area aimed at threatening northern Israeli towns.

He said Israeli forces currently control key above-ground positions as well as underground routes and facilities.

Zamir added that the Lebanese army must implement its commitments under the agreement and “cleanse the area of Hezbollah elements,” while the Israeli army would continue to act forcefully to remove threats from Lebanese territory and remain ready to launch a rapid offensive in case of any ceasefire violations.

He said Israel’s military achievements had significantly weakened Hezbollah, which he described as exhausted and defeated in all its confrontations with Israeli forces.