Israel is moving to consolidate a new phase of its military presence in southern Lebanon, shifting from continued strikes, demolitions and sweeping operations toward what appears to be a longer-term deployment that extends as far as 12 km (7.5 miles) inside Lebanese territory in some areas.

At the same time, Israeli media are promoting claims that Hezbollah is redeploying parts of its military infrastructure farther north, toward the Iqlim al-Tuffah region and the Rihan and Safi mountains, after losing positions and facilities in the south.

Together, the two narratives point to a changing military landscape in southern Lebanon, where Israel is expanding its concept of “defense” beyond the border and into Lebanese territory, while saying Hezbollah is moving some of its capabilities away from its traditional areas of deployment.

The developments suggest not an end to the confrontation but a possible redrawing of its geographic boundaries.

Israeli claims of Hezbollah redeployment

Israel’s Channel 12 has reported that Hezbollah is moving precision-guided missiles, air-defense systems, weapons and ammunition toward Iqlim al-Tuffah and the Rihan and Safi mountains as part of a redeployment following the loss of strategic positions in southern Lebanon.

The channel said its account was based on what it described as “Lebanese military sources,” without identifying them or saying which institution they belonged to.

The sources claimed Hezbollah had moved weapons depots and military equipment, while some of its commanders had relocated to more heavily fortified rear areas. They also alleged that some weapons had been redistributed inside villages and near buildings and homes.

According to the Israeli report, the move was prompted in part by Hezbollah’s loss of positions and tunnels that had given the group greater freedom of movement and operational capacity in southern Lebanon, particularly around the Ali al-Taher heights.

A military presence 12 km inside Lebanon

At the same time, Israeli reporting points to a deeper shift in how the Israeli military is deploying its forces inside Lebanon.

According to journalist Elisha Ben Kimon of Yedioth Ahronoth, the reserve 55th Paratroopers Brigade completed a 100-day mission, including about 80 days of operations inside Lebanon. Its activities focused on the area between the border and what the Israeli military calls the “Yellow Line.”

The Israeli military is not presenting the deployment simply as a temporary operation, but as part of a broader military concept known as “forward defense.”

Israeli security sources cited by Yedioth Ahronoth said the area in which Israeli forces are operating extends about 12 km from the border. The concept effectively moves Israel’s defensive line from the border itself into Lebanese territory.

One Israeli security source was quoted as saying that, under this approach, “the defense of Nahariya” begins inside Majdal Zoun rather than at the border.

That would give the “Yellow Line” a role beyond that of a temporary operational boundary. It would effectively become an Israeli security zone inside Lebanon, with the military seeking to consolidate and equip its positions for an extended deployment.

‘Tyre in a single night’

The Israeli military’s Northern Command also sees the current deployment as a potential launch point for future operations deeper into Lebanon, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

The newspaper quoted an Israeli security source as saying that forces stationed at the deepest point of the “Yellow Line” could, if ordered, reach the outskirts of Tyre in “a single night.”

The statement illustrates the strategic shift taking shape: from defending against infiltration at the border to maintaining the ability to launch operations from inside Lebanese territory toward targets farther north.

Preparations for the winter reinforce that impression. Israeli forces are preparing positions and access roads, while buildings used by troops are being equipped with generators and other facilities needed for prolonged stays.

The preparations suggest that the military is planning for its current deployment to continue rather than treating it solely as a short-term operation.

Mansouri and Majdal Zoun

Mansouri and Majdal Zoun have emerged as particularly important areas in the Israeli military’s account of the situation.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel considers the area around the two towns one of the most difficult remaining pockets, with sweeping operations still incomplete.

The Israeli military claims Hezbollah used the period following the ceasefire to strengthen its presence there. Israeli sources said the 55th Brigade destroyed more than 600 facilities and military structures during its operations, including tunnel entrances, weapons depots and launch sites.

Those figures cannot be independently verified.

But the military’s use of the claims is significant because they provide a rationale for maintaining Israeli forces inside Lebanon and tying any withdrawal to the completion of what Israel describes as a military “clearing” operation, without setting a clear timetable for its completion.

Redefining the border

The shift is also reflected in the terminology used by Israel’s security establishment.

“Forward defense” effectively means that Israel no longer views the border itself as its first line of defense. Instead, it seeks to establish military depth inside Lebanon from which it can monitor the area, use firepower to control access and prevent forces from approaching the border.

Other Israeli reports have described a “new phase” in southern Lebanon involving the continued destruction of what Israel describes as Hezbollah infrastructure around the “Yellow Line,” along with the construction of a new line of military positions intended to preserve freedom of action in future operations.

The issue, therefore, extends beyond the immediate confrontation with Hezbollah. It also reflects an Israeli effort to redefine the practical security boundaries of the border, with Lebanese territory becoming part of the military space Israel seeks to use to protect its northern communities.

Long-term deployment brings risks

Maintaining such a deployment also carries costs for Israel.

Military reports have warned that moving from sustained offensive operations to a long-term presence could increase traffic and training accidents, place greater strain on troops and expose Israeli positions to attacks along the “Yellow Line.”

Two incidents during Israeli military operations over the weekend underscored those risks.

In one incident, several soldiers were wounded after two military vehicles collided. In another, two soldiers were injured in an incident involving a grenade, one seriously and the other moderately.

The Israeli military has also acknowledged that explosive drones, including fiber-optic-guided drones, remain a significant challenge to any further incursion and that it has yet to develop a comprehensive solution to counter them.