The continued presence of Hezbollah's medical branch in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, an early test site for clearing the group under the Jerusalem-Beirut accord, questions Lebanon's resolve and effectiveness in monitoring these zones, per a Monday report from the Alma Research and Education Center.

After the IDF exit, Lebanese troops began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah last Tuesday as part of the first phase involving three towns in the trial period of the American-mediated agreement.

Fresh records from the town, including the organization's own statements admitting its role there, confirm that Hezbollah's Islamic Health Organization is still functioning in the municipality. Experts emphasized this indicates the return of Shiite communities to southern Lebanon would also restore the militant network.

The locality suffered extensive damage in the conflict with Hezbollah, as noted by Mayor Abed Ezzeddin in remarks to global outlets. Over half the structures were leveled, while remaining buildings show severe war-related harm.

The Islamic group was observed collecting remains of Hezbollah fighters together with the Lebanese Army, implying the civil arm operates openly with approval from local forces.

Civilian facade but tied to militant aims

Although presented as a civilian service, Hezbollah's Islamic Health Organization falls under the group's executive council and acts as its medical support during operations. Its staff and facilities served dual roles in the war, enabling transport of fighters and arms via ambulances plus building command posts inside clinics.

Dr. Moran Levanoni of the Institute for National Security Studies told The Jerusalem Post that it remains unclear if the pact explicitly bars Hezbollah civil units from pilot zones alongside its armed members.

Levanoni noted the danger cannot be fully erased, admitting some civilian entities might be misused for spying or as covers to aid the group's comeback. Since some locals belong to Hezbollah, total removal is unrealistic, he said, and the focus must stay on blocking rearmament.

Beyond the center's findings, Walla reported Tuesday that Lebanese Armed Forces commander General Rodolphe Haykal is working with Hezbollah to prevent clashes.

The Lebanese military has also fallen short on seizing Hezbollah arms, according to sources, sparking concerns that Beirut may fail to uphold its side of the deal with Israel.

Hezbollah has charged both Lebanese forces and Israel with incomplete compliance. MP Hussein Hajj Hassan stated last Wednesday that the IDF pulled back only to the town's edges, per Arab reports, and stressed the need for Iranian funds to rebuild.