As the US-Iran war spreads across the region, Israel has unveiled a plan to push further into Lebanon as its confrontation with Hezbollah intensifies. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF is getting ready to establish a "Gaza-style" buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Addressing reporters following a situation assessment with military officials, Katz stated that the IDF has been instructed to establish a new security zone, enabling Israel to maintain control of the territory up to the Litani River.
All houses in Lebanese villages close to the border will be demolished, following the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model used in Gaza, Katz was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel, adding that this would be carried out "to eliminate, once and for all, the threats near the border."
Katz further stated that, once the operation concludes, the IDF will control the territory up to the Litani River, including the remaining bridges over the Litani, while eliminating the Radwan forces that entered the area and destroying all weapons located there.
Israel’s proposed buffer zone is expected to displace more than 600,000 people in Lebanon. Those evacuated to northern parts of the country will be prohibited from returning to areas near the Litani River "until Israel’s security is assured."
In a video posted on X last week, Katz said another reason for the expansion is to prevent a recurrence of the events of October 7. (October 7 refers to the 2023 Hamas terror attack in southern Israel, which led to the start of Israel’s war on Gaza.)
Significant escalation by Israel
The IDF’s directive to advance further into Lebanon comes as the Gulf region views itself on the verge of a full-scale war. Israel’s strategy also sets a perilous precedent in the area, with numerous analysts describing its ground operation in Beirut as part of a broader effort to redraw Israel’s borders.
Moreover, as the conflict between the United States and Iran intensifies by the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed U.S. officials that even if a peace agreement is reached with Iran, Israel will continue its military campaign in Lebanon, with a particular focus on Hezbollah.
Addressing journalists, Katz stated that the IDF’s strategy is centered on isolating Lebanon from the influence of the Iranian regime.We are resolute in our goal to detach Lebanon from Iran’s sphere of influence, to neutralize the threat and deprive Hezbollah of its capacity to endanger us,” Katz stated, noting that Israel intends to “alter the reality in Lebanon” through the deployment of IDF forces in the area.
Since the war with Lebanon began on March 2, the Lebanese health ministry reports that at least 1,247 people have been killed, including 124 children, and approximately 3,680 others have been wounded.Furthermore, with Israel increasing its attacks, over one million people have been displaced.
Israel's different buffer areas
Israel currently maintains several buffer zones along its borders with neighboring states. In the Palestinian territories, it established a so-called "yellow line"—a de facto boundary within the Gaza Strip—introduced as part of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal involving Israel and Hamas.
In the occupied West Bank, Israel maintains a buffer area known as the Seam Zone. This zone further separates Palestinians from their land while facilitating the expansion of Israeli settlements and the establishment of additional IDF and Israeli military checkpoints.
Israel also maintains a buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights region of Syria. This area was previously monitored by the United Nations, but after the collapse of the Assad regime, Israel assumed control of the zone.