The IDF indicated that it intends to remain in the neighboring country despite calls for a withdrawal
The Israeli military has published a map outlining what it described as a “forward defense line” in southern Lebanon, despite calls for a full withdrawal following the announcement of a ceasefire.
The map shows a new deployment line several kilometers beyond the border, encompassing dozens of mostly abandoned villages, days after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect.
Israel and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to a US-brokered ten-day ceasefire to halt more than a month of fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following the first direct talks between the two sides in decades on April 14. The deal is aimed at supporting broader US-Iran diplomacy, although Israeli troops are set to remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon.
The deployment line shown on the map stretches from east to west around 5-10 km inside Lebanese territory from the border, where Israel says it plans to establish a buffer zone.
In a statement, the IDF outlined what it described as a “forward defense line” where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon, but did not specify the size of the area.
Israeli forces have destroyed villages in the area, saying the aim is to prevent “direct threats” to northern Israeli communities. It said five divisions and naval forces are currently operating south of the line to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent attacks against northern Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that homes along the border used by Hezbollah would be demolished, adding that “any structure threatening our soldiers and any road suspected of being planted with explosives must be immediately destroyed.” He added that the IDF has been ordered to use “full force” in Lebanon, even during the ceasefire, if it is threatened.
Hezbollah, which boycotted the Washington talks, has signaled conditional support for the ceasefire, demanding a full halt to attacks and an eventual Israeli withdrawal.
Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut and other cities and expanded what it described as a security zone in southern Lebanon in early March, following rocket fire by Hezbollah in support of Iran. Tehran has since made an end to Israeli operations in Lebanon a condition for a broader agreement with the US and Israel.
Since early March, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed nearly 2,300 people, wounded over 7,500, and displaced more than 1 million, according to Lebanese officials.
