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Israel plans to divide south Lebanon as Beirut seeks ceasefire
Israeli soldiers drive along a road running beside destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon along the border [Getty]Israel is seeking to divide southern Lebanon into multiple zones as part of a potential deal with Beirut, including the creation of a buffer zone aimed at disarming Hezbollah, even as Lebanon pushes for an immediate ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel agreed to begin negotiations after an initial meeting in Washington on Tuesday, a rare development between the two sides, who have technically been at war for decades. The two countries have sharply different priorities: Lebanon is pressing for a ceasefire and the return of around one million displaced people, while Israel is demanding the complete disarmament of Hezbollah. Israeli officials have signalled they will continue striking Lebanon and will not withdraw from the south, which remains under occupation, until the Iran-backed group is dismantled. They argue that a buffer zone several kilometres deep is necessary to secure Israel’s northern border. Israeli forces now control large swathes of the frontier in southern Lebanon, advancing further inland amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. What does Israel want? According to reports in Israeli media, former Israeli minister Ron Dermer submitted a proposal that would divide Lebanon into three zones, entrenching a prolonged Israeli military presence in parts of the south. Under the plan, the first zone would see Israeli forces maintain control up to around eight kilometres deep, with bases and a heavy troop presence for an extended period, effectively formalising a buffer zone inside Lebanese territory. Dozens of Lebanese towns and villages along the frontier have already been flattened, with Israeli forces continuing to demolish homes and civilian infrastructure in border areas. In the second zone, stretching from this line to the Litani River, Israeli forces would continue what Dermer described as “clearing” operations against Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. Israeli troops would gradually withdraw only from areas where operations are deemed complete, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy. The third zone, north of the Litani River, would cover the rest of Lebanon, where responsibility for disarming Hezbollah would fall to the Lebanese army. Israel has made clear it will not fully withdraw before Hezbollah is neutralised militarily. The proposal echoes Israel’s approach in Gaza, where it continues to occupy large parts of the territor...
The real ramifications of Israel's mass evacuation orders in Lebanon
As Lebanon and Israel discuss a ceasefire but Israel's bombing continues, more than a million people have been forced into displacement, many under mass evacuation orders that have led to confusion, chaos, and uncertainty: Will they ever be able to return home?
Ceasefire exemptions and quarries of death: Israel's war on Lebanon
Civilians inspect the site as a residential building lies in ruins and surrounding structures show heavy damage after an Israeli strike hits Corniche Al-Mazraa district in Beirut, Lebanon on April ...
Iran War Live Updates: Trump Announces Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire ...
Iran War Live Updates: Israel Agrees to 10-Day Cease-Fire in Lebanon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to pause attacks targeting Hezbollah but said Israeli troops would not withdraw. The ...
