Khaberni - "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported from Israeli officials that security assessments suggest the military operation in South Lebanon will persist for a long time, potentially extending for years, with no signs of an imminent Israeli forces withdrawal even if a ceasefire is achieved.
A security official told the newspaper that the Lebanese government is unable to disarm Hezbollah, indicating that the Israeli military presence within Lebanese territory is "expected to continue for at least several months, and possibly years," as defense officials stated that a potential ceasefire agreement would not necessarily mean withdrawal from their current positions.
According to the report, the Israeli ground forces are facing heavy fire including artillery and missiles, alongside anti-tank missiles, imposing a complex reality on the field. Soldiers say that often, they receive a warning just seconds before the shells fall, which limits their chances of finding shelter.
Based on the account, the soldiers rely on armored vehicles or taking cover using natural terrain and buildings, despite the limited direct engagements with Hezbollah fighters.
Buffer Zone
Israeli assessments suggest that the central objective of the operation is to establish a buffer zone within South Lebanon, to reduce fire towards Northern Israel. In this context, the army conducts operations described as "systematic and slow," which include destroying military infrastructure and removing weapons.
One of the soldiers was quoted in the report saying, "We are leveling whatever we can... This is a combat zone being re-shaped," as Israeli sources mention a broader goal to effectively demilitarize South Lebanon up to the Litani River, while maintaining control over strategic areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the goal is to "radically change the situation in Lebanon," linking this to the broader conflict with Iran. In the same context, it was reported by the Israeli newspaper that Israel, according to Western diplomats, seeks to separate any potential agreement with Iran from the operations in Lebanon, while Tehran tries to link the two fronts.
The data indicates that the United States grants Israel a wide margin of movement in Lebanon, emphasizing the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, amid expectations of possible American pressures later to limit the operations.
The Israeli military had previously announced the expansion of its ground operations in South Lebanon, with the addition of Division 36 alongside Division 91, as part of what is called the military operation against Hezbollah.
