Israel Undermines Military Negotiations in Florida with Preemptive Strike on Lebanese Army

Amid the drumbeats of a confrontation on the Iran front, which signals that the moment has become a matter of time—likely no longer distant—and Israel’s threats to Hezbollah that it is prepared to conduct maneuvers in Lebanon, expand the security zone, and strike Beirut’s southern suburbs if Hezbollah joins Tehran in any war, confidence grows that the round of military negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv in Tampa, Florida, is merely to confirm that the diplomatic channel remains open, albeit with a dead-end horizon, awaiting clarity in the broader theater where the Lebanese reality unfolds. The Lebanese state cannot be the “locomotive” driving the country into the mouth of a new volcano, as Hezbollah has placed the entire nation in Iran’s trailer.

It was no coincidence that Israel preceded the convening of the negotiation round in Tampa, which was expected to be completed today, with a statement that amounted to an “indictment” of the second party at the military negotiation table, namely the Lebanese Army, alleging that “elements within it coordinated with Hezbollah regarding the enforcement of security arrangements (in southern Lebanon) in a manner that contributed to attempts to prevent, delay, or thwart these activities.” This was documented by a purported video of an incident of this nature that occurred in the town of Kafr Kila (adjacent to the security zone).

This development was seen as booby-trapping the talks scheduled for Tuesday, placing Beirut in a defensive position, especially in light of prior indications that the military delegation would demand an end to Israeli attacks and the expansion of buffer zones, while rejecting any verification mechanism that would impose direct coordination with Tel Aviv or grant it a supervisory role over the Lebanese Army, thereby undermining its sovereign role. The public skepticism regarding the performance of the Lebanese military institution and the suggestion of its “partnership” with Hezbollah were treated as a prelude to any military escalation Israel might undertake beyond the “red line,” thereby penetrating deeper to increase pressure on Beirut over the issue of disarming Hezbollah across the country.

It was no coincidence that Israel raised its warning level to the highest degree, in the manner of “warning before striking,” against Hezbollah regarding any support for Iran in the event of a renewed battle to “eliminate its regime,” as Benjamin Netanyahu termed it, addressing Tehran and Hezbollah: “Do not think about attacking us; you will receive a blow you never imagined.”

Concurrently, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on the same “warning wavelength,” announced, “We have established a security zone within Lebanese territory covering 700 square kilometers, and we are prepared to conduct military maneuvers toward additional areas in Nabatieh and the Litani. We will not withdraw from the security zone as long as Hezbollah’s weapons are not disarmed throughout Lebanon. If Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack on Israel, it will receive a severe blow, and any attack from it will be met with force in the southern suburbs.”

These Israeli stances, which appeared closer to completing the “puzzle” of preparations and delineating “offensive and defensive lines” for the upcoming war, have heightened fears for Lebanon’s future. Any new explosion that drags the country into conflict will now be unregulated, within a geography of expanded occupation and raids that will spare neither the southern suburbs. In other words, the American “insurance policy” that prohibited Netanyahu from striking this area (and the Lebanese capital) about seven months ago will expire if Hezbollah becomes engulfed in the “mother of all battles” in the region.

Compounding Lebanese concerns is the fact that these deeply gloomy circumstances coincide with Hezbollah adopting a “finger on the trigger” posture toward the domestic arena and the state, following the seizure of its shipment of explosives. The group has threatened the authorities in Beirut against any further steps in the judicial process to hold its leaders accountable or refer them to the Military Court, signaling readiness to fight on two fronts—Israel and the domestic front—and indicating that it will not allow the government, under any pretext, to launch an operation to restrict weapons north of the Litani River, even under the guise of containment or preventing transport and use. In its view, such a move would imply acceptance of the principle, according to the terms of direct negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, which it strongly rejects and insists on maintaining “unity of path and destiny” with Iran, both in war and peace.

Amid mutual affirmations of non-compromise regarding the explosives shipment, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday afternoon. The discussion covered “the general situation in the country, particularly in the south, in the context of following up on state measures within the recovery plan and strengthening the presence of security and civil institutions in villages and towns not under occupation.”

According to the Lebanese Presidency, the meeting also assessed the outcomes of visits by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to Beirut, as well as development projects agreed upon for launch, particularly in the energy and electricity sectors. It also reviewed the visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and the Secretary of State for Veterans and Armed Forces, Alice Chevallier, along with topics raised, especially the post-phase of UNIFIL’s operational mandate and the supportive European role for Lebanon in the coming period, and the visit by Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy and the solidarity expressed with Lebanon during this stage.

President Aoun also discussed with Salam “the measures implemented by the army and security forces to maintain stability in the country, and the coordination with the judiciary to pursue those undermining security.”

This meeting took place while the Tampa negotiation round was underway at the US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters on a military track, a separate path from the political one, which is effectively suspended at least until after the Knesset elections and the US midterm elections. The last time negotiations on both tracks were held was in August last year in Rome.

A US official was quoted on Tuesday stating that “the Tampa negotiations will continue until Wednesday and will focus on the security aspect of the (Triangular Framework) and will be exclusively at the expert level.” Before the meeting, which began at 7:00 PM Beirut time, a spokesperson for US Central Command affirmed, “We support the implementation of the Framework Agreement between Lebanon and Israel.”

Amid growing US restlessness over the Lebanese government’s performance on the weapons file, Al-Jadeed TV, through its correspondent in Washington, reported that “three Lebanese officers attended the technical Tampa meeting on Tuesday, indicating a reduction in the number of members of the Lebanese military delegation. The Israeli side presented during the meeting the video released by the Israeli Army on Tuesday morning concerning the Lebanese Army.”

Israeli Army spokesperson Ela Waawaa wrote on X: “Under the understandings reached in 2024, which Israel and Lebanon relied upon until the launch of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’ (against Iran), the Lebanese Army assumed responsibility for removing Hezbollah’s combat means and military infrastructure from southern Lebanon. However, it failed to carry out this task as required, allowing the group to consolidate its military presence, enhance its armaments, and establish military infrastructure in the area. Even during Operation ‘Shield of the Homeland,’ conducted by the Lebanese Army in 2025, a significant gap persisted between statements and ground realities. The operation did not succeed in dismantling the group’s military capabilities, nor did it prevent the continuation of its activities or curb the growth of its military strength.”

She added: “In December 2025, the Lebanese Army was asked, through the American mechanism, to address a military facility in Kafr Kila, southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah had been using to store combat means. Later, the Lebanese Army announced that it had taken the necessary measures regarding this facility. However, several months after this announcement, it became evident that Hezbollah continued its activities within the facility, and its operatives transferred combat means and military equipment from it in order to retain them and preserve the group’s military capabilities. Thus, the facility remained available for Hezbollah’s military use, despite several months having passed since the Lebanese Army’s announcement that it had taken the necessary measures.”

She continued: “The Military Intelligence Directorate of the Israel Defense Forces has documented cases in which elements within the Lebanese Army coordinated with Hezbollah regarding security arrangement enforcement activities, thereby contributing to attempts to prevent, delay, or thwart these activities, and enabling Hezbollah to prepare in advance to evacuate and transfer combat means from the area. The Lebanese Army bears responsibility for ensuring the full and precise execution of all tasks entrusted to it.”

In an indirect response to the Israeli claims, Major General Nicola Tabet, commander of the Lebanese Army’s southern Litani sector, stated that “the continued occupation and security risks still prevent residents from safely returning to their villages and resuming their normal lives, and they also hinder the deployment of the Lebanese Army across the entire southern territory up to the internationally recognized borders.”

During a speech delivered to Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, who toured the south on Tuesday, Tabet emphasized “the necessity of effective Arab and international action to ensure an end to Israeli aggression, a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and international legal resolutions.” He pointed out that “non-compliance with agreements and understandings related to the cessation of hostilities and ceasefire calls for serious action that ensures stability and protects Lebanon.” He affirmed that “the Lebanese Army continues to fulfill its national duty despite difficult circumstances and limited resources, making sacrifices to enhance stability and extend state authority,” adding that “the trust placed in the military institution by Lebanese citizens, particularly those in the south, represents a major national responsibility that the army strives to meet.”

Thabet noted that “the performance of the conscious and professional army embodies its commitment to safeguarding civil peace, protecting all Lebanese citizens, and upholding national unity, the authority of its legitimate institutions, and the monopoly of arms, in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and relevant national decisions, thereby preserving Lebanon’s stability and safeguarding its sovereignty.” He expressed hope that “the Arab League will play an active role in mobilizing political and diplomatic support for Lebanon, enhancing the capabilities of its army, and contributing to the reconstruction of the south and affected areas, alongside working with the United Nations and international partners to establish sustainable arrangements for the post-UNIFIL mandate phase, thereby preventing any security vacuum and its repercussions, in implementation of international Resolution 1701.”

For his part, Fahmi declared that “the Israeli aggression and transgressions faced by citizens in southern Lebanon are unacceptable,” stressing “the responsibility of the Arab and international communities to support Lebanon, strengthen its institutions’ capacities, enable it to confront challenges, and facilitate the return of its sons to their homes.” He clarified that “his visit to Lebanon stems from his responsibility and trust toward Arab countries and their peoples without exception,” adding that “since assuming his position, he has been keen on enhancing cooperation with various parties and translating joint Arab action into specific political and practical steps.”

Meanwhile, the President of the Republic renewed his condemnation of the attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly against vital facilities and aviation infrastructure, affirming “the solidarity of Lebanese people with the brotherly Saudi people.”

Fawaz’s stance came during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari, where bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them across all fields were discussed.

Fawaz conveyed Lebanon’s gratitude to the Saudi Ambassador “for the support provided by the Saudi leadership to the Lebanese people, particularly in facilitating the flow of Lebanese exports,” emphasizing that “Lebanese are awaiting the return of Saudi citizens to visit Lebanon and the resumption of Saudi flights to Lebanon.”