Israel Launches Pilot Handover of Lebanese Villages to Army

The Israel Defense Forces have initiated a pilot program to transfer control of the Lebanese villages Srifa, Froun, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya to the Lebanese army. The program serves as a test to determine if the Lebanese military can effectively prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding military infrastructure and rearming within these regions. While Srifa and Froun lie outside the designated Israeli line, Zawtar al-Gharbiya is located within it, though Israeli forces have already reduced their presence there.

Expansion of the program remains contingent on the Lebanese army's performance and the resolution of two primary security concerns. These include the fate of approximately 40 Hezbollah terrorists currently trapped in the Ali Taher Ridge near Nabatieh and the disposal of underground terror infrastructure in the same ridge.

Simultaneously, reports indicate that Hezbollah is utilizing the current ceasefire to transport weapons and equipment using drones and motorcycles. In response to these movements, the Israel Defense Forces have reinforced their positions and upgraded defensive works to maintain security.