Reports Indicate Hezbollah Influence in Lebanese Army Pilot Zone Amid Stalled Negotiations

Lebanon and Israel are unlikely to resume negotiations before the end of the summer, according to a Lebanese diplomatic source cited by Al Mayadeen. A source stated that the United States and Israel have rejected expanding existing pilot zones in southern Lebanon until progress is made in the two designated areas, noting that the Lebanese army has only taken over the northern zone.

Meanwhile, the Alma Research and Education Center reports that Hezbollah's civilian arm continues to operate in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, a pilot zone under the protection of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The center identified the presence of the Wataawanou Association, which provides food, water, and medical treatment to displaced persons. While the association claims to support returning residents, the center and other Lebanese media sites describe the group as closely affiliated with Hezbollah. Al Manar TV reported that the association works in cooperation with Hezbollah's social work sector, and the head of the association, Afif Shuman, has confirmed the group supports the resistance.

Financial scrutiny has also targeted the group. Whish Money, a company licensed by the Central Bank of Lebanon, suspended the association's account in 2025 because the group failed to provide documentation for donations. The Alma Research and Education Center alleges that these operations allow Hezbollah to maintain social and economic influence while raising funds to restore civilian and military infrastructure through accounts at the al-Qard al-Hasan bank.