The Israeli army is preparing to enter a new phase of occupation in southern Lebanon in the coming days, Israeli media reported on Friday, as fighting continues despite a US-brokered framework agreement with Beirut.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the military plans to “reorganise” its forces in the area it calls the “yellow zone,” including reducing and redeploying troops positioned along the line.
The report said the military is preparing for a prolonged occupation in the area by establishing and completing a new line of forward military positions.
The preparations reportedly also include continued attacks against what Israeli officials identify as Hezbollah militants.
Israel announced in April that it had established what it called the “yellow line” in southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces have maintained positions in areas beyond the border, with the military describing the area between the line and the border as a security buffer zone.
Lebanon rejects the continued occupation by Israeli forces on its territory and has called for their withdrawal.
Framework calls for phased withdrawal
The reported military preparations come despite a framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon in Washington on June 26 under US mediation.
The agreement outlines a phased process under which Israeli forces are to withdraw from Lebanese territory while the Lebanese army assumes control of designated areas and non-state armed groups are disarmed.
The process was initially structured around pilot zones in southern Lebanon.
The framework followed months of US-mediated negotiations aimed at reducing hostilities and establishing arrangements for Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese military deployment in the south.
The Israeli military's reported plans for a longer-term occupation come as negotiations over implementation continue.
Heavy toll in Lebanon
According to Lebanese authorities, Israel's attacks in Lebanon since March 2 have killed at least 4,386 people, wounded 12,407 and displaced more than a million others.
The figures come amid continued Israeli strikes and occupation in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese officials and international observers raising concerns over the impact on civilians and the implementation of the US-backed framework.
The framework agreement states that its broader goal is to restore Lebanese sovereignty across the country while establishing security arrangements intended to prevent renewed conflict.
