Israel demarcates expanded Lebanon occupation zone, challenging US-Iran pact

JERUSALEM — Israel released a new map on Thursday showing an expanded area of military control in southern Lebanon, signaling it may continue operations beyond the designated zone despite international calls for restraint.

The move has heightened tensions with a U.S.-backed diplomatic framework that emphasizes respect for Lebanese sovereignty. The interim agreement, linked to broader efforts involving United States and Iran, calls for an end to hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, and stresses the need to preserve the country’s territorial integrity.

A senior Israeli official said negotiations with Washington were ongoing and “stubborn,” particularly over Israel’s demand to keep forces deployed up to 10 kilometers inside southern Lebanon as part of its security strategy.

According to Israeli officials, the presence is intended to prevent further attacks from Hezbollah, which has repeatedly clashed with Israeli forces. Israel launched its incursion into southern Lebanon in March following cross-border rocket fire attributed to the group, leading to widespread destruction and civilian displacement.

The Israeli military also said its forces have advanced deeper into Lebanese territory in recent weeks, including areas near the Hezbollah stronghold of Nabatieh, located north of the Litani River. The newly published map marks these areas in darker red, indicating an expanded operational footprint compared to earlier versions.

An Israeli military official said operations would continue against perceived threats beyond the declared security zone, suggesting the possibility of further strikes deeper inside Lebanon if necessary.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected Israel’s buffer zone policy in a televised address, saying Lebanese territory must not be divided into controlled zones and calling for a full Israeli withdrawal.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military posture, saying it was necessary to ensure the security of northern Israeli communities that have faced repeated rocket attacks from Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. He said Israel would maintain a security strip in Lebanon as long as required by national security considerations.

The developments come amid heightened diplomatic friction between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed for de-escalation while also criticizing aspects of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

While Washington has expressed concern over the scale of Israeli strikes, there is no indication so far that the U.S. intends to alter military aid or arms deliveries, which remain a key element of bilateral relations.

Israel has long described its presence in neighboring territories as “buffer zones” aimed at preventing cross-border attacks. However, critics argue the policy risks deepening regional instability and complicating diplomatic efforts.

Security analysts say the timing of the new map is significant, as it signals a more entrenched Israeli presence on the ground ahead of upcoming U.S.-mediated talks in Washington involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives.

Danny Citrinowicz, a retired Israeli military intelligence officer and senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said the map effectively signals long-term intent. “It indicates Israel is not preparing to withdraw soon,” he said.

Negotiations are expected to focus on competing demands: Israel’s insistence on the disarmament of Hezbollah and Lebanon’s push for a full Israeli withdrawal from its territory. Observers say the talks will test whether a broader political framework can be reached to stabilize the border region.

Jonathan Rynhold of Bar-Ilan University noted that the current U.S.-backed arrangement leaves limited room for maneuver, given Hezbollah’s continued influence in Lebanon’s political and security landscape.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with ongoing exchanges of fire underscoring the fragility of any potential ceasefire arrangement. -Reporting by Pesha Magid, Rami Ayyub, Alexander Cornwell and Jana Choukeir; Editing by Aidan Lewis/Reuters