Israel’s new defense strategy against Hezbollah in Lebanon includes establishing permanent military outposts adjacent to each northern Israeli community, according to Hebrew media.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to reshape the region’s security landscape, Channel 12 News reported on Sunday.
The Israel Defense Forces plans to maintain a strategic presence in Lebanese territory until the Lebanese army is fully prepared to counter Hezbollah threats, advocating for a phased withdrawal rather than an immediate exit, according to the report.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from Southern Lebanon as the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) assume responsibility for ensuring Hezbollah remains disarmed south of the Litani River.
However, there has been growing concern in Jerusalem regarding the LAF’s ability to effectively curb Hezbollah’s presence. In response, the IDF continues frequent border operations to prevent the group from regaining strength, including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and clearing terrain to disrupt terrorist movements.
Any identified threat is swiftly neutralized, with daily operations including targeted strikes and sabotage missions.
Israel is also closely monitoring threats deeper inside Lebanese territory. Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley overnight Thursday after the Iranian-backed terrorist organization dispatched a surveillance drone into Israeli airspace.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Nov. 27, mandates an Israeli withdrawal within 60 days. However, the U.S.-monitored arrangement between Lebanon and Israel is set to continue until Feb. 18, according to a White House statement on Jan. 26.
The IDF assesses that Hezbollah suffered heavy losses during its over year-long war against Israel in support of the Hamas terror group in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, significantly degrading its operational capabilities. Despite this, the group is working to rebuild, and Israeli forces are taking proactive measures to prevent its resurgence.
