Israeli Threat of Invasion Up to Beirut
Concerns are mounting in Lebanon over the potential expansion of the Israeli war, following an American message conveyed by Sheikh Ali Khatib, deputy head of the Supreme Islamic Shia Council, indicating that Israel might carry out a military incursion up to Beirut if Hezbollah does not surrender its weapons. This comes amid Israeli warnings that the group is working to rebuild its combat capabilities in towns adjacent to the “Yellow Line.”
Khatib revealed that U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Weiss informed him during a previous visit that if Hezbollah does not hand over its weapons, Israel will execute a military incursion reaching Beirut.
Meanwhile, Tel Aviv has directly or indirectly informed Lebanon of its determination to disarm Hezbollah across all Lebanese territory, urging the Lebanese Army to enter Hezbollah positions in Mount Lebanon’s Rihaneh area and the Apple Valley region, and to dismantle sites Israel classifies as essential and strategic, while warning against a recurrence of the events in Ali al-Tahir.
However, the most alarming indicator is Israel’s accusation that Hezbollah is working to return to villages and towns near the “Yellow Line,” taking advantage of residents’ return to rebuild combat groups and restore its capabilities.
Tel Aviv has conveyed to Lebanon that it will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its forces or reposition them, raising fears that these accusations could serve as a pretext to displace more towns.
Amid these pressures, efforts continue to revive the “pilot zones” proposal, initially put forward by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Diplomatic sources reported that Washington has expressed support for the proposal and readiness to assist in its implementation, while seeking to arrange a meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli militaries in Florida after October 20 to discuss implementation and verification mechanisms.
However, Israel insists on conditions regarding the composition of the Lebanese forces that would enter these zones, including the prior submission of lists naming officers and personnel, and verification that they are not affiliated with Hezbollah, with the possible requirement that no Shia officer or member participate—a condition rejected by the Lebanese Army. Tel Aviv also demands the establishment of a joint operations room for security and military coordination and management of the situation in the south.
