Israel entrenches hold on south Lebanon, vows to counter threats with ‘full force’

Israel on Monday told residents of south Lebanon ⁠to stay out of a belt of territory running the length of the border and not to approach the area of the Litani River, entrenching its grip over southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in the war with Hezbollah.

The US-mediated, 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday, largely halting the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that spiralled out of the ‌conflict between the United States and Iran.

But it remains fragile, with Israeli troops occupying territory deep in the south, aiming to create a buffer zone to shield northern Israel from Hezbollah attack, while the group has said it maintains the “right to resist” Israeli occupation.

Thousands of displaced residents have begun making their way back to parts of southern Lebanon since the truce took effect.

Lebanon’s armed forces have reopened a key road linking the southern city of Nabatiyeh with the Khardali area after it was closed due to Israeli strikes. They have also partially restored access to the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge.

However, these efforts to restore civilian normalcy have collided with military restrictions. On Saturday, Israel’s military said it had established a “Yellow Line” in south Lebanon, similar to the one in Gaza that separates areas held by Israeli forces from those controlled by militant group Hamas.