A top U.S. general gave high marks to Lebanese forces this week for their efforts to stabilize the volatile border region with Israel, marking a potential turning point in the area’s yearlong conflict.
During an inspection of seized weapons stockpiles in the southwestern town of Naqoura, Army Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers praised the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) for their swift action in securing areas recently vacated by Israeli troops.
“The LAF is the legitimate security provider for Lebanon and continues to demonstrate it has the capability, intent and leadership to secure and defend Lebanon,” Jeffers said Tuesday in a statement released by the U.S. Embassy. He highlighted their “decisive” and “rapid” response in the region.
The positive assessment comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. While a Nov. 27 truce requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, it also mandates Hezbollah’s relocation north of the Litani River, 18 miles from the Israeli border.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to uncover militant infrastructure in the region. The IDF recently announced the discovery and destruction of significant weapons caches, including a truck loaded with mid-range rocket launchers and hundreds of mortar shells.
However, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has signaled that IDF forces might extend their stay beyond the initial withdrawal deadline, citing concerns over Hezbollah’s compliance.
“Israel is interested in the implementation of the agreement,” Mr. Katz told the Times of Israel, but warned his troops would “be forced to act” if Hezbollah fails to fully withdraw and dismantle its infrastructure.
Read more: U.S. general praises Lebanese troops for seizing Hezbollah weapons as part of truce with Israel
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