Israel is expanding its military footprint across southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire agreement, moving into additional villages and consolidating control over a widening security zone that now spans dozens of towns along the border, according to Israeli military statements and Lebanese local sources.

On Sunday, the Israeli army advanced into two more villages it had not previously occupied, adding to 41 already taken during the recent war. The moves form part of what Israeli officials describe as a plan to establish a “security belt” covering 55 villages, with some areas placed under direct military control and others subject to what the army calls “fire control.”

The Israeli military has published a map outlining the planned zone, which includes 41 villages stretching across southern Lebanon. The list includes locations north of the Litani River such as Arnoun and Yohmor al-Shaqif, both positioned along the river’s northern and western banks, as well as Christian-majority villages including Qlayaa, Jdeidet Marjayoun, and Burj al-Muluk. Israeli forces are not currently deployed inside some of these villages, though their advance during the final stages of the war reached nearby Debbin, adjacent to Jdeidet Marjayoun, before withdrawing after heavy clashes with Hezbollah, according to security sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.

Alongside this territorial expansion, Israeli forces have been carrying out demolitions inside areas under their control, including the heavily damaged city of Bint Jbeil.

Israeli media reported Sunday that Israel has divided the portion of southern Lebanon under its control into three operational zones following the ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese government.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the so-called “red line” refers to the first tier of villages directly along the border with Israel. It said most structures in these areas have already been destroyed and that Hezbollah is no longer present there. In some locations, Israeli ground forces have established fixed positions.

Local reports also indicated that Israeli forces have set up positions inside the village of Markaba and raised the Israeli flag there.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the “yellow line” should be extended to areas where anti-tank capabilities are located inside Lebanon, warning that Israel would act if Beirut failed to meet its commitments. He added that the military had been instructed to operate “with full force on land and in the air” to protect Israeli troops in Lebanon. Katz also said any building or road suspected of containing explosives should be destroyed immediately, “to protect our soldiers.”

Control over 41 villages

At the time the ceasefire took effect, Israeli forces were reported to be in control of 41 villages and towns in southern Lebanon. These include Bint Jbeil, where Israeli troops advanced into urban neighborhoods and encircled Hezbollah fighters, and Khiyam, where access to western and northern districts was blocked after partial occupation during the war.

These areas form part of a broader Israeli-designated zone of roughly 400 square kilometers, comprising 55 villages, according to the Israeli army. A map released by the military depicts a security belt extending between five and twelve kilometers into Lebanese territory, beginning in the coastal area of al-Bayada, approximately 12 kilometers south of Tyre, and stretching to the western slopes of Mount Hermon. The zone links the occupied Golan Heights with high ridges in southeastern Lebanon.

Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that villages under Israeli control in the western sector include Naqoura, al-Bayada, Marwahin, al-Bustan, Umm al-Tout, Shihin, al-Lubba, Hammoul, al-Dhahira, Yarin, Alma al-Shaab, Tir Harfa, and Shamaa.

Pressure on Christian border villages

The same sources said that in Alma al-Shaab, a village with a Christian majority, Israeli forces are positioned on the outskirts rather than inside residential areas, effectively placing it under operational control and restricting access. They said a similar situation applies to Christian villages Qouzah, Rmeish, Dibel, and Ain Ebel.

In the central sector, Israeli forces are present in parts of Hanin, Ayta al-Shaab, Ramia, and Beit Leef, where they control southern neighborhoods and eastern hills. Residents attempting to return have been turned back and, in some cases, fired upon, according to the sources.

During the war, Israeli forces also took control of Maroun al-Ras, Yaroun, Aitaroun, Mays al-Jabal, Rashaf, al-Tiri, Blida, Mhibib, and large parts of Aitaroun and Bint Jbeil, where Hezbollah fighters were later encircled. Israeli troops have also established what sources described as a “fire line” preventing civilian return to Kunin and Beit Yahoun, including repeated artillery fire. Kunin was shelled again on Sunday afternoon, in what locals described as a possible prelude to further occupation.

Expanding frontlines

Israeli control extends further to Rab al-Thalathin, Houla, Kfarkela, Adaisseh, Markaba, Taybeh, Qantara, and Deir Seryan, stretching from the border strip toward the valleys of al-Salouqi and al-Hujair. Full control has not yet been completed in Talousa and Bani Hayyan, although both villages are included within the Israeli-defined buffer zone.

On Sunday, Israeli forces also advanced into Adshit al-Qusayr and began artillery strikes toward Alma, signaling possible preparations for further ground movement aimed at reaching the Litani River following consolidation around Deir Seryan.

In the eastern sector, Israeli forces have taken control of large parts of Khiyam, the Kfarshouba Farms, and the outskirts of Shebaa and Ghajar, while also advancing toward the western slopes of Mount Hermon in the Hasbaya district. The Israeli map also includes villages such as Marjayoun, Majidiyeh, and Shwaya, where forces are positioned nearby, though it remains unclear whether they intend to enter these Druze-majority areas.