Israel’s military expansion into Lebanon’s Western Bekaa region marks a significant shift in the conflict, moving beyond traditional border areas into deeper, more sensitive territory while applying simultaneous pressure on multiple fronts, military analysts say. The move appears aimed at reshaping the battlefield both south and east of the country.

Late Monday into Tuesday, the Western Bekaa experienced a series of intensive airstrikes, coinciding with the closure of major roads linking Sohmor to Yahmor, Yahmor to Lebaya, Qalliya to Dallafa, Qalliya to Al-Ahmadiya, and the route from Al-Ahmadiya to Ibel al-Saqi. These disruptions caused widespread paralysis across key transportation corridors.

The strikes followed urgent warnings issued by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, calling on residents of Zelaya, Lebaya, Yahmor, Sohmor, Qalliya, and Dallafi to evacuate immediately north toward Qaraoun.

A source familiar with the situation told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israeli forces have focused on towns in southern Western Bekaa adjacent to the southern districts due to their strategic significance.

“These towns form a geographic extension of the Litani River corridor and overlook key routes leading to Jezzine and Hasbaya—areas that were under Israeli occupation prior to 2000,” the source said.

Retired Brigadier General Bassam Yassin interprets the escalation as an effort to seize high ground capable of separating Western Bekaa from southern Lebanon.

“These hills extend geographically from the Khiam region and oversee vital communication lines between the two areas,” Yassin told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that controlling these elevations would give Israel a field advantage, allowing it to reestablish positions similar to those held before its withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.

“What we’re seeing now reflects an attempt to revive the previous occupation model, which relied on a presence along the border strip and the highlands.”

Yassin recalled the 1982 campaign, when Israeli forces reached Beirut before gradually withdrawing by 1985 to what became known as the “mountain line,” a positioning that ensured protection and continuity between military sites. He argued that today’s strategy mirrors that approach, aiming to establish a strip 8–10 kilometers deep inside Lebanese territory, taking advantage of remnants of prior military infrastructure that can be reactivated. Western Bekaa, he noted, serves as a natural extension of the eastern southern sector, forming a strategic corridor linking the two fronts and explaining Israel’s growing focus on the region.

Operationally, Yassin predicts Bint Jbeil will serve as the focal point of the initial phase due to its strategic location and central role in the mid-sector.

“Israeli forces are attempting to encircle the city from multiple directions in preparation for control, though no decisive confrontation has occurred inside the city itself,” he said.

He added that should battles in Khiyam and Bint Jbeil be resolved, Israel’s next likely objective would be expansion into Western Bekaa along parallel axes, consolidating new ground and reconnecting strategic areas.

“The situation remains fluid, with gradual escalation potentially leading to broader engagements,” Yassin noted.