The Israeli military has published a map for the first time outlining its deployment line inside southern Lebanon, indicating areas now under Israeli operational control following a U.S.-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah.
According to the map released on Sunday, Israeli forces have established what it calls a “forward defence line” extending approximately 5 to 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory from the border. The area includes dozens of villages, many of which are largely abandoned due to ongoing fighting and displacement.
The publication of the map comes just days after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire deal, which followed intense cross-border hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The agreement was brokered with U.S. support and is intended to reduce tensions while also paving the way for wider diplomatic efforts involving regional powers.
However, despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces appear to remain positioned deep inside southern Lebanon. The military says the deployment is aimed at preventing Hezbollah attacks and dismantling what it describes as militant infrastructure near the border.
In a statement released alongside the map, the Israeli army said five divisions, along with naval forces, are operating south of the forward defence line. It said their mission is to “dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites” and prevent threats to Israeli border communities.
The military did not clarify whether Lebanese civilians displaced from the area would be allowed to return to their homes. A Lebanese security source said civilians have had limited access to some villages, but entry into most areas south of the Israeli-designated line remains restricted due to ongoing military presence.
Israel has previously carried out extensive strikes in southern Lebanon, stating that its objective is to prevent Hezbollah from using border villages as launch points for attacks. Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that buildings near the border allegedly used by Hezbollah would be demolished if they posed any threat to Israeli forces or contained suspected explosives.
The situation has drawn concern in Lebanon, where officials have not yet issued a formal response to the newly published map. Hezbollah also has not commented publicly on the Israeli announcement.
The conflict has caused significant human and material losses in Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,100 people have been killed since the escalation began, including at least 177 children, while over 1.2 million people have been displaced. Israel reports casualties among its civilians and military personnel during the fighting.
Hezbollah, which has not released official casualty figures, is estimated by sources close to the group to have lost at least 400 fighters during the conflict.
Israel has previously established buffer zones in neighbouring territories, including parts of Gaza and Syria, as part of its security strategy. The latest deployment in Lebanon signals a continuation of that approach, despite ongoing international calls for restraint and de-escalation.
The ceasefire agreement remains fragile, with both sides maintaining a strong military posture in the region as diplomatic efforts continue.
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