Israel Proposes Buffer Zone in Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israel's Military Strategy in Southern Lebanon
Photo: @researchUSAI/X
Jerusalem, April 20: The Israeli military has unveiled a map outlining a proposed "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, which extends several kilometers into Lebanese territory. This zone is designed to create a continuous barrier from the Mediterranean Sea to the Mount Hermon region near Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have asserted that troops will remain in the area, despite a temporary ceasefire that began at midnight local time on Thursday. Katz indicated that Israel plans to demolish structures within this zone, likening the operation to previous actions taken in the Gaza Strip, and warned that any individuals identified as Hezbollah members would be targeted, according to reports.
Currently, five divisions and naval forces are engaged in operations within Lebanese territory to establish what is referred to as a "Forward Defense Line," aimed at countering threats to northern Israeli communities, as stated by the military.
The proposed buffer zone includes a maritime section off the Naqoura-Ras al-Bayada coastline, highlighting its naval aspect.
This zone encroaches northward of significant towns such as Bint Jbeil, Aita al-Shaab, and Khiam, extending to the Litani River in certain areas, affecting numerous villages and ridges. Both Lebanon and Syria have rejected this initiative.
Despite the ceasefire, reports from Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) indicate that Israeli forces have escalated military actions in southern Lebanon on Sunday.
In Bint Jbeil, demolition of homes has continued to "clear the security zone," with tanks patrolling the heavily damaged city. Troops have also detonated buildings in al-Bayada and al-Naqoura, obstructed roads with earth mounds, and shelled the town of Kounine.
No immediate response has been provided by Israeli officials.
The map was released shortly after the U.S. announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, who have been engaged in intense conflict since early March. During a previous ceasefire that commenced in November 2024, Israel maintained near-daily strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon.