Israeli forces have advanced into new areas beyond the self-declared "Yellow Line" in Southern Lebanon. This development raises questions about whether the military objectives also include broader political calculations.
On Saturday, Israeli units achieved new gains on both the western and eastern fronts. Advancing towards the vicinity of Majdal Zoun, the forces reached a more forward position on the ground after four days of artillery and air strikes.
On the eastern front, progress was made towards Kfartebnit. Israeli forces reached close to the Ali el-Taher hills, which dominate much of Nabatiye and its surroundings.
How is the Yellow Line Defined?
The "Yellow Line," used by the Israeli military in spring 2026, refers to a strip approximately 4 to 10 kilometers inside Southern Lebanon. This area includes about 55 towns and villages along the border and is regarded by Israel as a military buffer zone.
Retired Brigadier General Mounir Shehadeh stated that military activities beyond the Yellow Line are concentrated especially around Kfartebnit, Zawtar el-Sharkiye, Yahmar esh-Shakif, Arnoun, and the Beaufort Castle area.
Shehadeh noted that Israel fears a possible US-Iran agreement that would end conflicts in Lebanon, and therefore is trying to strengthen its position on the ground as much as possible before any negotiations begin.
According to his assessment, Israel distinguishes between direct deployment and operational control in some villages. Some settlements have been turned into security zones where residents are not allowed to return, and Israel exerts control through surveillance and firepower.
Shehadeh added that the areas controlled by Israel extend 5 to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, and in some villages, the return of the population is prevented.
Among Israel’s stated objectives are pushing Hezbollah elements away from the border, preventing possible attacks on Galilee settlements, destroying military infrastructure and weapon stockpiles, and establishing a buffer zone for border security.
However, analyses suggest there may be broader goals, including establishing a new security belt similar to the one Israel occupied between 1982 and 2000, turning border villages into sparsely populated areas, and maintaining control over strategic heights and transportation corridors.
Security and defense analyst Dr. Riad Kahwaji said Israel is advancing on three separate axes, with the main aim of neutralizing Hezbollah infrastructure, some of which lies beyond the Yellow Line.
The eastern axis stretches from Beaufort Castle to the Kfartebnit and Ali el-Taher hills. This line provides Israeli forces with a vantage point overlooking Nabatiye and potentially opens a gateway towards the Iklim et-Tuffah area, where Hezbollah’s tunnel networks are believed to exist.
The central axis extends from north of Bint Jbeil and Tebnine towards Ghanduriyeh. This advance is reportedly aimed at besieging Wadi al-Hujayr, long considered a defensive line and suspected tunnel base.
On the western axis, a line extending from Majdal Zoun towards Qlayleh stands out. This movement brings Israeli forces closer to the coastal city of Tyre.
