Israel has established 23 new military positions inside occupied areas of southern Lebanon, deepening its military presence despite mounting Lebanese demands for a withdrawal under the framework agreement between the two countries, according to Lebanese security sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.

The new positions form part of a security belt Israel has been building since March, as it seeks to consolidate its presence in territory it captured inside Lebanon. The occupied zone stretches across roughly 55 towns and villages and extends up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the border.

Israeli forces have constructed military positions inside villages and on surrounding high ground while continuing to demolish buildings and carry out controlled explosions in areas under their control, the sources said.

Most of the sites contain military vehicles and equipment, although it remains unclear whether Israel intends to maintain them throughout its occupation or adjust them in response to developments on the ground, the source said.

The military positions are spread across a wide geographical area, extending from the Lebanese coast near the border towns of Naqoura and Bayyada through the highlands of the western sector, the central sector overlooking the Salouqi and Hujeir valleys, and the elevated terrain of the eastern sector. Additional positions have been established farther inland along the border, including a large newly built site in the town of Maroun al-Ras, images of which have circulated widely on Lebanese social media.

Before the ceasefire took effect, Hezbollah had repeatedly announced attacks targeting newly established Israeli military positions inside Lebanese territory.

Artillery positions and air defense systems

Lebanese sources said the new sites established following the latest war generally include artillery emplacements, fortified positions for military vehicles, electronic equipment, and mobile air defense systems deployed by the Israeli military inside Lebanese territory.

The sources said it remains unclear whether the positions are intended to become permanent installations similar to the five fixed military outposts Israel established last year, or temporary bases equipped with logistical facilities for Israeli troops operating inside Lebanon.

After the ceasefire agreement entered into force on Nov. 26, 2024, Israeli forces established five permanent positions on strategic hilltops: Labouneh Hill and Jabal Blat Hill in the western sector, Jall al-Deir Hill in the central sector, and Dawawir Hill and Hammamis Hill in the eastern sector.

Last week, Lebanese activists shared images of a newly constructed Israeli position in the border town of Maroun al-Ras, while Lebanese media reported another new site on the western outskirts of Khiam in eastern southern Lebanon.

China's Xinhua News Agency, citing sources, reported that a large Israeli military engineering unit equipped with bulldozers and excavators was seen carrying out excavation, fortification and road construction work, building earthen berms and preparing defensive trenches under the protection of armored forces, including Merkava tanks and armored personnel carriers.

The military expansion comes as the Lebanese government continues to demand that Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanese territory, beginning with the trial areas outlined in the framework agreement, while pressing for the ceasefire to be fully implemented.

Ceasefire violations continue

Israeli forces have yet to withdraw from any of the areas they occupy in southern Lebanon, while military activity and cross-border violence continue despite the ceasefire.

Artillery shelling and intermittent airstrikes have continued to target border areas, while Israeli forces have also carried out controlled demolitions of civilian infrastructure.

Local media reported Wednesday that an Israeli Merkava tank fired several artillery rounds toward the outskirts of the town of Hadatha as bursts of machine-gun fire were heard near the town square. Artillery also struck Ali al-Taher Hill in the Nabatiyeh district.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the Ali al-Taher forest near Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa after intermittent artillery shelling of the area. Overnight, Israeli aircraft launched three waves of strikes targeting the area between the towns of Beit Yahoun, Kounine and Braachit in the Bint Jbeil district.

The Israeli military also carried out controlled explosions in the town of Arnoun, in addition to demolition operations in the city of Bint Jbeil.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Wednesday that its troops killed a Hezbollah operative during a search operation in the town of Bint Jbeil after the man allegedly opened fire on Israeli forces.

The military said its troops returned fire, killing the operative, and added that no Israeli soldiers were injured. It said the incident occurred inside the same building where a clash last week seriously wounded an Israeli reservist.

Lebanon's Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 has risen to 4,320 people, with another 12,203 wounded.