Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Israel’s Northern Exposure - with Matt Levitt
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Apr 27, 2026 
Matt Levitt, counterterrorism expert with US intelligence and FBI experience, breaks down the fragile Israel-Lebanon front. He discusses Hezbollah’s degraded capabilities and lingering threats. Short takes cover life in northern Israel, IDF operations in southern Lebanon, the limits of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Unit 121, and new U.S.-led diplomacy.
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Visiting The Blue Line After The Ceasefire
- Matt Levitt visited Israel's northern border after the ceasefire and saw partial returns: some rebuilt homes beside destroyed ones and communities still underpopulated.
- He could rent a car and meet briefers at the Blue Line, a contrast to pre-ceasefire military escorts.
Northern Israelis Stay Hesitant To Return
- Northern Israeli civilians remain fearful because Hezbollah could attempt cross-border infiltrations similar to October 7th tactics.
- Mayors criticize the ceasefire since many lack confidence Lebanon will truly disarm Hezbollah.
IDF Campaign Targets Hezbollah Infrastructure Inside Lebanon
- The IDF is focused on removing weapon stores, tunnels, and bunkers and preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing in the south.
- Israel set forward operating bases several kilometers into Lebanon to observe and disrupt reconstruction efforts.