Military Occupation of Southern Lebanon Would Not Fully Eliminate Hezbollah Arsenal, Security Source Says
Even if Israel occupies southern Lebanon through military force, it will not be able to destroy all of Hezbollah’s rockets or explosive drones, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan News reported Sunday morning, citing a security source.
“Even if we occupy all of southern Lebanon, as some are suggesting, these steps will not be able to destroy the last explosive drones or the last rocket of Hezbollah,” the source stated.
The Limits of Military Force
According to the source, Israel’s defense establishment has estimated that a “true solution to end the northern threat is ‘not currently in sight,’” despite the fact that Hezbollah could be further weakened through infrastructure damage, targeted assassinations, and other operational activity.
The security source, as cited by KAN, emphasized that “a military move is not enough,” adding that “a political breakthrough is required, alongside the maintenance of prolonged military deterrence, in order to try and change reality.”
Defensive Measures vs. Permanent Solutions
The current focus on Hezbollah’s drones has led the IDF to implement several tactical measures to minimize attacks, including:
- Deploying anti-explosive drone barbed wire, which has also been provided to the Lebanese army.
- Arming soldiers with shotguns to use against drones, according to reports from last week.
However, defense establishment officials cited by KAN described these operations in southern Lebanon as “specific defensive measures – not a solution.”
Recent Engagements
These assessments follow recent military activity in the region. The IDF successfully intercepted two Hezbollah drones flying in an area where Israeli soldiers were operating; this action triggered sirens in northern Israel due to concerns that debris from the interception could fall into Israeli territory.
Hezbollah launched mortar shells and rockets toward IDF troops in southern Lebanon. While the projectiles fell near the soldiers, they caused no injuries.
