Hezbollah is continuing to maintain its grip on southern Lebanon through medical, humanitarian and reconstruction organizations, even as the Lebanese army struggles to fulfill the security requirements of the framework agreement reached with Israel in June, according to new research from the Amit Institute for Terrorism and Intelligence Research.

The research focuses on the village of Zoutar al-Gharbiya, one of the pilot areas where the Lebanese army is supposed to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent the terror group’s operatives from returning. Despite those commitments, Hezbollah members have reportedly been allowed back into the village.

Among those permitted to return are members of Hezbollah’s “Rabat” unit, which is involved in military coordination and embedding infrastructure in civilian areas. The report says Lebanese army checkpoints are not checking the identities of people entering the village and vehicles are not routinely searched.

Two organizations linked to Hezbollah are also operating in the area. The Islamic Health Organization, which is subordinate to Hezbollah’s Executive Council, operates clinics and ambulances that are reportedly permitted to enter the village, while Red Cross ambulances have been prevented from entering.

A second organization, the “Wata’awanu” association, provides residents with food and housing assistance while mapping damage in the area. The organization is headed by Afif Shuman, who has raised donations through Hezbollah’s Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial institution.

Researchers assess that Hezbollah is using the organizations to preserve the local population’s dependence on the terror group and maintain its influence in southern Lebanon, effectively undermining the framework agreement with Israel.

The report also notes that legal restrictions preventing searches of private property are making it more difficult to uncover Hezbollah military infrastructure. Researchers warn that as long as Hezbollah continues providing essential services while maintaining operatives on the ground, transferring formal responsibility to the Lebanese army will not necessarily break the terror group’s hold over the region.

The Amit Institute is expected to publish its full research in the coming days.

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