Lebanese official to ToI: ‘Indiscriminate’ IDF strikes hinder Hezbollah disarmament

A senior Lebanese official tells The Times of Israel that IDF strikes in southern Lebanon, described as indiscriminate, are undermining the government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The official cites a strike in Kfar Rumman that killed 11 people, including women and children, as an example of over-targeting that creates backlash against the president and collaboration with Israel. The official argues for negotiations instead of military action, while noting stalled implementation of a framework agreement for LAF deployment.

A senior Lebanese official told The Times of Israel that IDF strikes in southern Lebanon are extending well beyond Hezbollah infrastructure, undermining the government's efforts to disarm the terror group. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity amid legislation in Beirut that outlaws contact with Israeli outlets, said the strikes create an enormous backlash against the president and against efforts to collaborate with Israel. The official cited a strike in Kfar Rumman that killed 11 people, including a paramedic, four women, and two children. The IDF said it targeted Hezbollah operatives moving weaponry and was looking into civilian harm reports. The official argued that if Jerusalem is dissatisfied with the Lebanese Armed Forces' performance, it should use negotiations to present specific steps. The sides signed a framework agreement in June creating pilot zones for LAF deployment, but transitions have stalled. Defense Minister Israel Katz's comments about flattening villages and pledging to remain in southern Lebanon have given ammunition to critics of engagement with Israel. The next round of talks is slated for Rome, with limited progress expected until after the October 27 Knesset election.