Israeli Intelligence Reportedly Aiding Lebanese Army in Dismantling Hezbollah

Latest Developments

• LAF Destroying Hezbollah Infrastructure: The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is reportedly using Israeli intelligence to locate and destroy Hezbollah’s weapons stockpiles and military posts in southern Lebanon. Although not in direct contact with Israeli intelligence sources, the LAF receives its assessments via U.S. intermediaries, according to The Wall Street Journal. An Israeli military official said that the IDF has discerned several “areas where the Lebanese army is way more effective than expected.”
• Nawaf Claims Most Objectives Achieved: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam claimed that the government had met 80 percent of its goal in disarming the Iran-backed terrorist organization in southern Lebanon, with plans for further disarmament throughout Lebanon. “All over the Lebanese territory, the state should have a monopoly on arms,” Nawaf said. As part of a November 2024 ceasefire deal with Israel, the LAF was tasked with enforcing Hezbollah’s complete dismantlement in southern Lebanon.
• Israeli Strikes Continue: Israel has conducted near-daily airstrikes in Lebanon targeting remaining Hezbollah fighters or infrastructure. On May 29, the IDF eliminated a Hezbollah terrorist working to restore a site used to manage Hezbollah’s fire and defense system, which the IDF had struck multiple times earlier. “The campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon is not over,” IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said. “We will pursue it and continue to weaken it until its collapse.”

FDD Expert Analysis

“There is no direct intelligence sharing or coordination between Israel and LAF. The IDF gives the ceasefire oversight committee intelligence regarding Hezbollah activities or positions violating the ceasefire. The committee then passes this information to the LAF, which has 72 hours to act. If the LAF doesn’t act, then Israel does. The frequency of Israeli strikes and activities in Lebanon demonstrates that the LAF’s activity, while an improvement over the abysmal standards of the past, remains wanting. The LAF appears to be taking over Hezbollah positions previously struck by Israel and, according to Israeli security sources, only with Hezbollah’s prior permission. Meanwhile, credible reporting and post-strike IDF statements have highlighted Hezbollah’s ongoing efforts to reconstitute its forces and presence in south Lebanon.” — David Daoud, Senior Fellow

“The LAF — a military funded by foreign assistance, tasked with controlling a long and porous border with Syria, an airport, and two seaports, in addition to performing domestic policing tasks — is still in the process of becoming the army of a sovereign state. It is certainly moving in the right direction, albeit at a pace much slower than many would like.” — Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: May 19–May 25, 2025,” by David Daoud

“Naim Qassem encourages voting in upcoming Lebanese municipal elections,” by David Daoud

“Israeli Air Strikes Target Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah to Aoun: Bring It On!” by Hussain Abdul-Hussain