Israel Unveils New Military Positions In South Lebanon, Controlling Dozens Of Villages Amid Truce

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 22:03 IST

This map, released on Sunday, shows Israeli positions extending 5 to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, outlining a newly established buffer zone.

Israel’s military has published a map revealing its new deployment line inside southern Lebanon, revealing control over dozens of villages, despite the ongoing ceasefire with Hezbollah.

This map, released on Sunday, shows Israeli positions extending 5 to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, outlining a newly established buffer zone. These military positions follow a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the US just days before.

The newly mapped-out area includes several mostly abandoned Lebanese villages, which Israeli forces have occupied as part of a broader strategy to secure northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. Israel has long used buffer zones in other territories, such as Syria and Gaza, as a method of defence.

“Five divisions are operating simultaneously south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon in order to dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and to prevent direct threats to communities in northern Israel," the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shared on X.

Lebanese Access Restricted

Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s continued control of these territories has raised concerns among Lebanese officials and civilians. While some displaced Lebanese citizens have been able to return to villages along the Israeli-defined line, many areas further south remain inaccessible.

Israeli forces continue to block access to most of the villages under their control, preventing civilians from returning.

Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that his government is determined to ensure the safety of Israeli soldiers. He announced that any structures or roads deemed to pose a threat—especially those potentially booby-trapped by Hezbollah—would be destroyed immediately.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to act with full force, both on the ground and from the air, including during the ceasefire, in order to protect our soldiers in Lebanon from any threat," Katz said at an event earlier today.

Lebanon was dragged into the war on March 2, when Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran, prompting an Israeli offensive that has killed more than 2,100 people, including 177 children, and forced more than 1.2 million to flee, Lebanese authorities say.

Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty figures. At least 400 of its fighters had been killed by the end of March, according to sources close to the group.

(With inputs from Reuters)

News world Israel Unveils New Military Positions In South Lebanon, Controlling Dozens Of Villages Amid Truce

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