Hezbollah has stepped up reconnaissance operations near Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon in an apparent effort to test Israeli defenses and gauge how troops respond to potential threats, as Israel prepares for the possibility of a renewed confrontation linked to escalating tensions with Iran, Lebanese security sources told Erem News.

The movements have been concentrated near positions along what is known as the "Yellow Line," with Hezbollah deploying small groups of fighters and individual operatives dressed in civilian clothes to approach contact areas and monitor Israeli troop movements and security measures.

The sources said the group had intensified its surveillance activities in recent days, seeking to assess the Israeli army's level of readiness, its response to suspicious movements and changes in troop deployments along the border.

So far, however, there are no confirmed indications that Hezbollah is preparing for a large-scale attack, the sources said.

Lebanese security agencies are closely monitoring the developments amid concerns that the reciprocal reconnaissance operations could lead to direct military clashes, particularly as Israel raises its alert level and the risk of a wider regional confrontation grows.

Israel Reinforces Lebanese Front

In parallel, the Israeli military has redeployed units and increased its readiness along the Lebanese front, with most reserve forces reportedly being moved toward the border in anticipation of a possible renewed confrontation involving Iran and its allies, the sources said.

The Israeli measures include reinforcing military positions and raising combat readiness while maintaining the ability to respond swiftly to any developments along the front.

The reported movements come amid Israeli military accounts of Hezbollah operatives being spotted near the Ali al-Taher heights and Beaufort Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif. Large Israeli military formations also remain deployed in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese sources warned that the increased state of readiness could pave the way for a decision to launch another military operation. They cautioned, however, that the movements could also reflect precautionary measures and tactical redeployments as Israel awaits greater clarity on the course of the regional confrontation.

Israel Considers Expanding Security Zone

The sources also revealed that Israel is considering a military plan to establish an additional buffer zone or an advanced military barrier in front of its existing positions inside southern Lebanon.

The proposed plan could involve an advance toward Wadi Barghaz and parts of the Jabal al-Rihane area, expanding the security perimeter around territory under Israeli control.

The objective would be to create additional security depth and establish a fire-control zone allowing Israeli forces to monitor approaches to their positions and prevent Hezbollah fighters from getting close to them or using surrounding areas to launch attacks.

The plan remains under military review, and no decision has been made to implement it, the sources said. Israeli commanders are weighing the need to strengthen the protection of their forces against the risks of advancing into new territory.

Current assessments do not point to an imminent large-scale ground offensive. Instead, they focus on the possibility of limited operations targeting geographically strategic locations if Israel decides to move beyond its current state of heightened alert and take military action.

Wadi Barghaz and Jabal al-Rihane are particularly significant because of their terrain and elevated positions overlooking several key routes. Controlling parts of these areas could therefore offer Israel wider surveillance capabilities and greater fire control over the surrounding territory.

Three Scenarios for a New Confrontation

Military and strategic expert Mohammad Youssef al-Nour said the latest movements reflect Hezbollah's efforts to test Israel's surveillance and monitoring systems, while Israel is seeking to establish additional defensive depth in preparation for possible escalation.

Al-Nour outlined three possible scenarios for the next confrontation.

The first would involve continued military alert and reciprocal reconnaissance operations, accompanied by limited strikes without any changes to existing deployment lines.

The second scenario would entail a limited Israeli military operation toward Wadi Barghaz and the Jabal al-Rihane heights to establish a fire-control zone and advanced observation positions. Such an operation would require a military and political decision that has not yet been confirmed, he said.

The third scenario would involve a broader confrontation with Iran and Hezbollah's possible return to a support war. In that case, Israel could expand its strikes to target the group's military capabilities and command centers.

A large-scale ground offensive would be considerably more complicated, however, given the logistical requirements of mobilizing and deploying troops and maintaining control over captured territory, al-Nour said.