Jerusalem, April 20: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released a map outlining a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. This area extends several kilometers into Lebanese territory, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the Mount Hermon region near the Syrian border.
According to the Xinhua news agency, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have stated that Israel will not withdraw its troops from the area, despite a temporary ceasefire that took effect at midnight local time on Thursday and Friday. Katz also indicated that Israel plans to demolish homes and buildings in the region, drawing parallels to actions taken in the Gaza Strip. He warned that any individual identified as a member of Hezbollah would be targeted by the Israeli military.
In a statement, the IDF noted that five divisions, along with naval forces, are currently working to establish a forward defense line in Lebanese territory. This initiative aims to neutralize direct threats to communities in northern Israel.
The map includes a maritime section off the Nakoura-Ras al-Bayada coastline, indicating naval operations. The buffer zone is situated north of key towns such as Bint Jbeil, Aita al-Shab, and Khyam, extending in some areas to the Litani River, which encompasses several villages and ridgelines. Both Lebanon and Syria have not approved this move.
Despite the ceasefire, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli military intensified operations in southern Lebanon on Sunday. In Bint Jbeil, forces continued to demolish homes under the pretext of securing the area, while tanks patrolled the heavily damaged city. Soldiers also detonated houses in Al-Bayada and Al-Nakura, blocked roads with earth mounds, and shelled the town of Kounin.
There was no immediate response from Israel regarding these developments. The map was released three days after Washington announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Tensions have been high between the two since early March. During the previous ceasefire, which began in November 2024, Israel conducted near-daily attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon.
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