If Trump Forces a Withdrawal from the Security Zone, This Is How It Will Be

Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, commander of the Northern Command, leads the new security zone in Lebanon, but former officials criticize it as a capitulation to politicians. Hezbollah, led by Naim Qassem, returned to war in February 2026 on its own initiative, without an order from Iran, and this week claimed the lives of two reserve soldiers. Israel is completely dependent on the US, and if Trump forces a withdrawal, this is how it will be.

Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, commander of the Northern Command, is the central figure in the article. He assumed the role in August 2025, following the successes of his predecessor, Uri Gordin. Milo, who grew up in the Shayetet and moved to Golani, leads the new security zone in Lebanon, established after October 7. He is the type who says, "Here I was wrong": in the first operation to cross the Litani on March 28, he admitted they entered unprepared and gave a withdrawal order. Hezbollah, led by Naim Qassem, returned to war on February 28, 2026, on its own initiative, without an order from Iran. This week, Maj. (res.) Harel Binstock and Master Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin fell from an explosive device in the village of Majdal Zoun. Former officials criticize the security zone as a capitulation to politicians, claiming it will only strengthen Hezbollah. Israel is completely dependent on the US; if Trump forces a withdrawal, this is how it will be. Negotiations with Lebanon continue, with pilot areas "Bravo" and "Delta."