Israel is considering a limited and largely symbolic withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon following more than 48 hours of sustained calm under a recently reinforced ceasefire, but Israeli leaders have made clear they do not intend to abandon the security zone established along the border.

According to Israeli assessments cited by CNN, Israeli officials are examining the possibility of announcing symbolic withdrawals from territory occupied in southern Lebanon. The move would involve redeploying some forces from positions located along the so-called Yellow Line, the boundary that was publicly outlined in April before Israeli troops advanced beyond it earlier this month.

The reported withdrawal proposal is expected to form part of discussions during upcoming talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Washington this week.

Despite the prospect of a limited redeployment, Israel's political and military leadership has maintained a firm position against a broader withdrawal from the security zone it has established inside southern Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Sunday that Israeli forces would remain in the area, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon but would not leave the security zone or expose Israeli communities to attacks by Hezbollah.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed that position, saying Israel would remain in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Defense Minister Israel Katz also ruled out withdrawing from Beaufort Castle, known in Arabic as Qalaat al-Shaqif, describing the strategic hilltop position as an integral part of the security zone and essential to protecting communities in northern Israel and Israeli military forces operating in the area.

Redeployment Along the Yellow Line

Retired Lebanese Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni, a strategic affairs analyst, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israeli forces had pushed beyond the Yellow Line in recent weeks in several sectors, particularly toward Majdal Zoun along the western coastal front and toward the Kfartebnit-Ali al-Taher area in eastern parts of the front line.

However, eyewitnesses have recently reported that Israeli military vehicles withdrew from Kfartebnit, effectively leaving positions around Ali al-Taher and returning to areas closer to the previously established Yellow Line, he said.

Jouni noted that the Israeli military had circulated updated maps in recent hours showing what he described as a revised Yellow Line that includes only Beaufort Castle and part of Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh north of the Litani River.

He explained that the Israeli army was expected in the coming days to consolidate positions within the boundaries of the Yellow Line while reducing its deployment both geographically and numerically.

He linked the anticipated adjustments to the implementation of the Geneva agreement, which includes mechanisms tasked with addressing developments in Lebanon and monitoring the situation on the ground through a dedicated follow-up body.

Focus on Protecting Israeli Forces

Even as discussions continue regarding possible redeployments, Israel appears to be strengthening measures aimed at protecting its troops operating inside southern Lebanon.

In the two weeks leading up to the ceasefire announcement, Israeli forces repeatedly intercepted Hezbollah rockets aimed at troops stationed inside Lebanese territory. Unlike previous incidents in which interceptions typically occurred over Israel, several recent interceptions reportedly took place within Lebanese airspace.

Military observers say the development may indicate that Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile-defense batteries inside Lebanese territory to provide direct protection for forward-deployed troops.

The assessment is reinforced by repeated Hezbollah claims that it has targeted Iron Dome launchers inside occupied Lebanese territory. The group has released videos and photographs that it says document such attacks. Additional footage circulating online has shown Israeli air defenses intercepting rockets over Lebanon that were fired toward Israeli forces positioned as far as 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.

Iron Dome Deployment

Jouni said it was entirely plausible that Israel had moved Iron Dome batteries into Lebanon.

"When an occupying force is operating roughly 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, it is natural for those forces to be protected by a missile-defense umbrella," he said.

He added that deploying the system closer to launch areas would not only protect Israeli soldiers operating inside Lebanon but also help shield Israeli border communities by intercepting rockets before they reach Israeli territory.

"The shorter the distance between the incoming rocket and the interception platform, the faster the response time," he said.

Jouni explained that Iron Dome is designed primarily to intercept short-range rockets, including Katyusha and Grad rockets, which Hezbollah frequently uses in southern Lebanon.

He noted that the system was not specifically designed to counter drones, as its main purpose is missile interception.

According to Jouni, the system consists of three principal components: radar systems that detect launches and identify their origin, a command-and-control center that analyzes threats and determines the most effective response, and interceptor missiles that engage incoming projectiles.

He added that even if launchers have been moved into Lebanese territory, other elements of the Iron Dome system could remain deployed inside Israel.

Hezbollah Drones Remain a Challenge

A Lebanese security source told Asharq Al-Awsat that it would not be surprising if Israeli forces advancing into Lebanese territory brought defensive systems with them to enhance protection.

The source pointed to the continuing challenge posed by Hezbollah's fiber-optic-guided drones, which Israeli forces have struggled to counter effectively despite efforts to develop new defensive measures.

According to the source, Israeli forces have distributed protective netting to military brigades, but assessments indicate that each brigade requires approximately 15,000 square meters of netting to provide even a minimum level of protection against drone attacks.

Hezbollah recently released footage it said showed one of its drones striking an Israeli Iron Dome launcher at the Branit military base near the Lebanese border. The group said the attack was carried out using an Ababil suicide drone.

Military experts note that while Iron Dome is widely regarded as one of the world's most successful short-range missile-defense systems, it does not provide complete protection. Its effectiveness depends on factors including the volume of incoming fire, the nature of the threat, and prevailing operational conditions.