Turkish troops near Metula and Kiryat Shmona: a new threat to Israel

Turkey is considering deploying troops in southern Lebanon as part of a future international security mechanism, which would bring them close to the Israeli towns of Metula and Kiryat Shmona. The plan, discussed by Erdogan and Aoun, includes transferring Hezbollah's heavy arsenal to Iran in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and international guarantees. Ankara fears a clash with the IDF and is coordinating participation with the US.

Turkey is considering deploying its troops in southern Lebanon as part of a future international security mechanism. If implemented, Turkish forces would be in close proximity to northern Israel, including Metula and Kiryat Shmona. According to the newspaper An-Nahar, the issue was discussed in contacts between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The broader plan concerns the settlement of the situation in southern Lebanon and the future of Hezbollah's weapons. One option involves transferring the group's heavy arsenal, primarily missiles and drones, to Iran, with coordination between Turkey and Tehran. In return, it is expected to achieve a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and obtain international guarantees against new Israeli strikes. In the first phase, Hezbollah may be allowed to keep light and medium weapons. The group itself has not yet given a final answer and is awaiting the results of negotiations between the US and Iran. Ankara is open to participating in international forces along the Lebanon-Israel border, but intends to coordinate this with the US in advance. The Turkish side fears a direct clash with the IDF; one official said that Ankara cannot allow Turkish soldiers to be killed by Israeli fire. Erdogan's position adds cause for concern for Israel: the Turkish leader opposes the complete defeat of Hezbollah and is worried about the expansion of Israeli military activity in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.