Unexpected Israel ‘defence line’ as Lebanon surveys damage
A fragile ceasefire in southern Lebanon – agreed to by Israel after intense bombardments killed thousands – has named a ‘defence line’.
The Israeli army has declared a “forward defence line” in southern Lebanon, with a zone stretching several kilometres into the country despite agreeing to a 10-day ceasefire last week.
The Israeli military says it has established a “forward defence line” in Lebanon where thousands of its troops remain, releasing a map showing its troops operating south of what has been described elsewhere as a “Yellow Line”.
It claims five divisions are working to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure, Israeli media also reporting that the military is using private contractors with bulldozers to demolish homes and schools in Lebanese villages within this zone.
More than a million people in Lebanon have been displaced by the fighting and more than 2000 people killed, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
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The line was not mentioned in ceasefire terms published by the United States.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day truce, which went into effect on Thursday.
The map shows dozens of villages inside the zone, stretching several kilometres into Lebanon, whose residents would likely be prevented from returning.
There was no immediate comment from Lebanese officials but the move is likely to raise concerns in Lebanon about the scope and duration of Israel’s military presence.
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