Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday it has established a new “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, introducing a demarcation similar to the one used in Gaza, as clashes continued despite a newly agreed ceasefire.
The military said its forces had engaged and struck what it described as a “terrorist cell” operating near Israeli troops along the line, marking the first time such a boundary has been publicly referenced in the Lebanese theater.
New frontline takes shape
According to the Israeli military, the Yellow Line serves as a forward defense boundary separating its forces from hostile elements North of the line. Officials said suspects approached Israeli positions in a manner deemed an “immediate threat,” prompting strikes in multiple locations.
The military stressed that operations conducted in self-defense are not restricted by the ceasefire agreement.
In a separate statement, the Israeli air force said it had eliminated a militant cell near ground forces and targeted an underground shaft south of the line, where individuals were identified entering. No casualty figures were released.
Gaza model extended north
The concept mirrors a similar division imposed in Gaza, where a Yellow Line effectively split the territory into zones controlled by Israel and Hamas following the outbreak of war.
Extending that model to Lebanon signals a potential shift in how Israel manages frontlines beyond Gaza, raising concerns about a prolonged or semi-permanent military presence.
Fragile ceasefire under pressure
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire earlier this week after six weeks of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
The fighting included widespread airstrikes across Lebanese territory and a ground incursion into southern areas. Lebanese officials say nearly 2,300 people have been killed since hostilities began, with heavy destruction reported in cities including Nabatieh.
Despite the truce, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has halted active operations but warned it remains ready to respond if Israel violates the agreement.
Conflicting signals from leaders
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said direct negotiations with Israel are essential to stabilizing the situation, including securing a full Israeli withdrawal and resolving border disputes.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had moved to prevent further Israeli strikes on Lebanon and would work with Beirut to address the Hezbollah issue.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a harder line, stating that operations against Hezbollah are not complete and pledging to continue efforts to dismantle the group.
A ceasefire in name only
The introduction of the Yellow Line and continued strikes highlight the fragility of the ceasefire, with both sides positioning for what could become a renewed phase of conflict.
With military activity ongoing and political signals mixed, the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border remains highly volatile, with little indication that the truce will hold without further escalation.
