The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported that Iran and Hezbollah continue to finance terrorist activities by smuggling funds through civilian flights to Lebanon. Despite efforts made, some transfers have been successful, increasing tensions in the region.
In parallel to this situation, senior officials from the Israeli security cabinet confirmed that the United States supported the IDF to maintain its presence in various areas of southern Lebanon beyond the originally agreed date for the ceasefire, which was scheduled for February 18.
The extension of the Israeli forces' presence in southern Lebanon was discussed in meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House announced the extension of the ceasefire until February 18 to allow the IDF to remain in strategic areas while a lasting solution is sought.
This new episode has intensified tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah, in a context where covert operations and violations of ceasefire agreements are further complicating security in the Middle East.
The IDF has been collaborating with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and sharing specific information to intercept fund smuggling operations. The IDF's presence in these areas is considered essential for the security of residents in northern Israel, a position supported by Washington.
The original ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon stipulated that the IDF was to transfer control of captured territories to the Lebanese government on January 26. Avichay Adraee, an Arabic spokesperson for the IDF, stated that the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard uses Beirut Airport to transfer money intended to strengthen Hezbollah and plan attacks against Israel.
Adraee pointed out that these funds enter Lebanon on clandestine flights, taking advantage of the regular flow of civilian flights. However, Lebanon did not deploy the necessary forces to take control of the area, which constituted a violation of the agreement.
