'We’re moving backward': IDF officers express criticism over Lebanon ceasefire

Several IDF officers in Northern Command criticized the military on Tuesday for not using the ceasefire to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon and eliminate weapons caches.

“On the first day, it worked,” one of the officers said. “Patrols began, and we detained Hezbollah terrorists and Lebanese civilians. At least one individual came out of hiding. The others? They moved from northern to southern Lebanon, exploiting that the Lebanese Army had yet to set up checkpoints or simply bypass those already in place.”

Lebanese civilians were returning to their homes despite reports suggesting otherwise, another officer said.“Most are coming back to see what happened to their houses and villages,” he said. “Some discovered that there’s nothing left.”

Another officer said that the senior command should have taken a more proactive approach. “We could have taken far greater advantage of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon to scan and destroy terror infrastructure and weapons,” he said.

“Instead, we’re retreating, hesitating, and reducing forces in certain areas. Why? Rather than expanding search operations, we’re overly cautious. It’s a mistake. We’re moving backward again. Talk to the troops on the ground; they’ll tell you what they see with their own eyes.”

'Hezbollah will be back at the border soon'

A reserve officer said: “Hezbollah terrorists will be back at the border soon, and they’ll do it in different forms. They won’t wait. They don’t need to wear uniforms. It will fall to Intelligence to identify them. We know that some of the journalists being sent to the border are working for Hezbollah. That’s how it starts. The real issue is that in 60 days, it’ll be even harder to act.”

Another officer whose unit is operating in the area voiced concerns about operational readiness. “Soldiers are being sent on leave and short breaks,” he said.

“There are missions to accomplish, but it’s hard to carry them out. No one wants to go on patrol knowing they don’t have the full support of critical units, such as bomb-disposal teams or additional forces for searches and responses. As a result, commanders are hesitant to take the initiative.”