Israel Establishes Buffer Zone in Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Operations

The operations follow a series of deployments in Gaza and Syria since October 2023. The current activities involve establishing a buffer zone north of the Israel-Lebanon border. This line is positioned approximately 15 kilometers from the border in the Ayta ash-Shaab area, with distances varying based on topography.

has lacked full sovereignty over its territory since 1969, when authorities signed an agreement allowing Palestinian militias to use the country as a base for operations against Israel. The Palestinian groups were expelled following Israel's 1982 invasion.

Subsequently, Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has operated from the region. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, during which IDF forces engaged in areas such as al-Khiyam and Marjayoun.

and Security Measures Lebanon's

government includes President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Hezbollah holds two ministerial portfolios, including Health, while its ally Amal holds three, including Finance. Previous governments led by Fuad Siniora from 2005 to 2009 and Saad Hariri from 2009 to 2011 and 2016 to 2020 faced similar challenges in asserting control.

The buffer zone aims to prevent the establishment of insurgencies by groups like Hezbollah. Towns such as Ayta ash-Shaab and Beit Lif, previously sites of conflict in 2006, have sustained significant damage. The IDF's approach aligns with post-October 7 security policies, focusing on physical separation to enhance border security.