About three weeks after a joint Israel–U.S.–Lebanese pilot launched on July 20, 2026, Israeli officials say the Lebanese Army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah in a southern Lebanon pilot zone remain insufficient. The IDF withdrew from Bir al-Sana, Sarifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah and Lebanese forces found weapons caches, but Israel demands more decisive action. Further Israeli–Lebanese talks are expected in September; Israel says the pilot won't expand unless the area is fully demilitarized. President Joseph Aoun says diplomacy has reduced strikes and favors rebuilding and peace.
Israeli Officials Say Lebanese Army Falling Short in Hezbollah Disarmament Pilot
Members of the Lebanese army stand at the entrance of Deir Mimas, after an Israeli military spokesperson said on Monday that Israel would keep troops in several posts in southern Lebanon past a February 18 deadline for them to withdraw, in Deir Mimas, Lebanon February 18, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/KARAMALLAH DAHER)
Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post that roughly three weeks after a joint Israel–U.S.–Lebanese pilot program began on July 20, 2026, the Lebanese Army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah in the pilot zone remain insufficient.
What Happened
Under the pilot, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began withdrawing from three villages in southern Lebanon — Bir al-Sana, Sarifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah — and transferred security responsibilities to the Lebanese Army. Israeli sources say Lebanese troops have entered parts of the area and uncovered weapons and ammunition caches, but that those actions fall short of the level of action Israel expects.
"The test will be whether the Lebanese Army enters Hezbollah infrastructure and actually confronts the terrorist organization," an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post.
Next Steps And Conditions
Israeli officials said the pilot will not be expanded to additional areas unless the Lebanese Army effectively demilitarizes the zone and removes armed groups. Another round of Israeli–Lebanese talks is expected in September to review progress and conditions for any extension.
Israeli soldiers are seen inside southern Lebanon as seen from the Israeli side of the border, August 6, 2026. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
Photo (August 6, 2026): Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon as seen from the Israeli side of the border. (Credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
Lebanese Response
Despite Israeli criticism, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said negotiations with Israel have advanced and that a diplomatic path remains preferable to renewed conflict. Aoun added that the framework agreement has reduced the scale of Israeli strikes and allowed some residents to return to their homes.
"Since the framework agreement was signed, the scale of Israeli strikes has decreased, allowing Lebanese people to return and enjoy their country," Aoun said, while stressing that Lebanon would not cede "a single inch" of its territory.
Implications
The pilot is being watched closely by regional and international actors. Its outcome will hinge on whether the Lebanese Army can demonstrate the capacity and political will to dismantle Hezbollah’s local military infrastructure without sparking renewed violence. The September talks are likely to determine whether the program is expanded, altered or suspended.
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