Israeli forces have pushed 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 made new advances on both the western and eastern fronts. The forces advancing towards Majdal Zoun reached a further line 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 army in spring 2026 refers to a strip within Southern Lebanon approximately 4 to 10 kilometers wide. This area includes about 55 towns and villages along the border line 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 al-Sharqiya, Yahmar al-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 said 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 the declared objectives of Israel are to push Hezbollah elements away from the border, prevent possible attacks on Galilee settlements, destroy military infrastructure and weapons stockpiles, and establish a buffer line for border security.
However, assessments suggest there may be broader goals beyond these. These include establishing a new security belt similar to the area Israel occupied between 1982 and 2000, turning border villages into sparsely populated zones, 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 goal of neutralizing Hezbollah infrastructure, some of which lies beyond the Yellow Line.
The eastern axis extends from Beaufort Castle to Kfartebnit and the Ali el-Taher hills. This line provides Israeli forces with a position overlooking Nabatiye and potentially opens a gateway towards the Iklim al-Tuffah area, where Hezbollah's tunnel networks are believed to exist.
The central axis stretches 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 approach of the coastal city of Tyre.
