Security officials are considering allowing Lebanon’s army to take control of a Hezbollah tunnel compound in the southern Lebanese village of Tebnit, N12 reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the sources, the idea was raised in recent days in political and military discussions, and may continue to be discussed in upcoming talks on Tuesday.
Israel believes that transferring the responsibility to Lebanon’s army could serve as a test of its ability and willingness to act against Hezbollah, said N12.
“This could be a test for the ability and motivation of the Lebanese army to deal publicly and in an unprecedented way with Hezbollah,” said an Israeli source.
Security officials note, however, that the Lebanese army has in the past struggled to act against the terror organization, said the report.
Tebnit a focal point for IDF activity
Tebnit has become a focal point for IDF activity in southern Lebanon over the past week. According to Israeli intelligence, between 30 and 40 Hezbollah terrorists are operating in a large underground compound.
While IDF forces are operating above the compound, ceasefire efforts between the US and Iran have prevented them from entering it, added N12.
The compound consists of a large network of tunnels, and its destruction is a central effort of military forces in the area, according to the IDF.
The military revealed on Sunday another underground compound in the village of Majdal Zoun, added N12, about 10 kilometers from the Israeli border.
The compound, built at a depth of 29 meters and over 200 meters in length, has 12 rooms, blast doors, four missile launch sites, and hundreds of weapons, according to the IDF.