Israel Expands Planned Security Belt Inside Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

Israel has outlined plans for an extensive security corridor inside southern Lebanon. It has published a map showing a wide strip of land stretching several kilometres beyond the border.

The proposed zone runs continuously from the Mediterranean coastline near Naqoura to the Mount Hermon region close to Syria.

Officials in Israel have signalled that troops will remain deployed in the area, even after a temporary ceasefire came into effect late Thursday night.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz both indicated that withdrawal is not currently being considered.

Katz said that the plan calls for destroying buildings in the designated zone. It aims to establish what it describes as a defensive buffer. He further added that Israeli forces would take lethal action against individuals identified as members of Hezbollah.

According to an official statement, five Israeli military divisions, supported by naval units, are operating across southern Lebanon.

The objective, the military says, is to create a ‘Forward Defence Line’ intended to prevent threats to communities in northern Israel.

The published map also includes a maritime section off the Naqoura–Ras al-Bayada coast. It suggests that naval enforcement will form part of the broader strategy.

On land, the zone extends beyond several towns, including Bint Jbeil, Aita al-Shaab and Khiam, and in certain areas reaches as far north as the Litani River.

Lebanese authorities, along with Syria, have rejected the proposal.

Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency indicate that Israeli military activity has continued despite the ceasefire.

Operations over the weekend reportedly included crews demolishing residential structures in Bint Jbeil and nearby towns, as well as setting up roadblocks. They also fired artillery at Kounine.

There has been no immediate response from Israeli officials regarding these developments.

The release of the map comes shortly after the United States announced a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce followed weeks of intense clashes that began in early March.

A previous ceasefire in November 2024 did not fully halt hostilities, with Israeli strikes continuing on a near-daily basis in parts of Lebanon.

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