BBC travels inside occupied Lebanon as officials say Israel expanding positions

What Happened

The Israeli military has expanded its presence in southern Lebanon, establishing four new bases to bring its total to nine positions within a strip of land extending up to 10km from the border. According to UNIFIL, Israeli forces are engaged in the fortification of these areas, including the construction of protective infrastructure and engineering works, while continuing air strikes and demolitions in villages under occupation. A Lebanese intelligence official reported over 5,000 violations of the June ceasefire by Israel, including drone attacks and incursions beyond the occupied zone. The Israeli military stated that destroyed buildings were utilized by Hezbollah for military purposes and maintained that its operations comply with international law.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The consolidation of Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon suggests a shift toward a protracted occupation, complicating the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians. The ongoing construction and demolition activities, despite a June ceasefire, indicate a strategic effort to create a buffer zone that challenges the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and the influence of Hezbollah in the region.

Watch For

Future diplomatic negotiations regarding the potential withdrawal of Israeli forces, which Israel has conditioned on the disarmament of Hezbollah. Additionally, monitor reports from UNIFIL regarding further expansion of Israeli bases and the continued impact of demolition activities on civilian infrastructure in the occupied strip.