Israel Eyes Handing Captured Hezbollah Tunnel Compound to Lebanese Army as Test of Beirut's Resolve

Israeli security officials are considering allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of a major captured Hezbollah tunnel compound in the southern Lebanese village of Tebnit, in what Jerusalem views as a deliberate test of Beirut's willingness and capacity to confront the terrorist organization, N12 reported Sunday, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

The idea was raised in recent days in political and military discussions and may be revisited in upcoming talks scheduled for Tuesday, according to the sources. "This could be a test for the ability and motivation of the Lebanese army to deal publicly and in an unprecedented way with Hezbollah," an Israeli source told N12.

The Tebnit compound is no ordinary target. The IDF has described the base, which consists of a network of tunnels totaling over a kilometer in length, as one of the most important Hezbollah headquarters in southern Lebanon, used as a command center with rocket capabilities and fortified positions. The operation to take it has come at a steep cost. Four IDF soldiers were killed in the Tebnit area last week, including Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd Battalion.

Between 30 and 40 Hezbollah terrorists are believed to be operating inside the underground compound. While IDF forces are operating above it, ceasefire dynamics tied to broader U.S.-Iran negotiations have complicated a full entry. The compound's destruction remains a central objective of Israeli military forces in the area. The IDF also revealed Sunday an additional underground compound in the village of Majdal Zoun, approximately ten kilometers from the Israeli border.

The potential handover reflects a broader Israeli strategic calculation: rather than maintaining an indefinite IDF presence or simply demolishing the site, transferring responsibility to the Lebanese Army would put Beirut on record, testing whether it will actively enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which prohibits Hezbollah military infrastructure south of the Litani River.

Israeli security officials acknowledged, however, that the Lebanese army has historically struggled to take action against Hezbollah, raising doubts about whether the transfer would meaningfully degrade the group's long-term capabilities in the sector.

The proposal comes amid a fragile and contested ceasefire. Fighting at Tebnit last week was among the trigger points cited for the postponement of the formal signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding in Switzerland, with ongoing mutual accusations of violations on both sides.