Israel Publishes Map of South Lebanon Territory Under Its Control After Ceasefire
The Israeli military has published for the first time a map detailing its new deployment line inside Lebanon, bringing dozens of mostly abandoned Lebanese villages under its control. This announcement comes just days after a US-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect, marking a significant development in the ongoing regional tensions.
Details of the Deployment Line and Buffer Zone
According to the map released on April 19, 2026, the deployment line stretches east to west, running 5-10 kilometers deep from the border into Lebanese territory. Israel has stated that it plans to create a so-called buffer zone in this area, similar to zones it has established in Syria and Gaza, where it controls more than half of the enclave.
Israeli forces have destroyed Lebanese villages in the region, citing the need to protect northern Israeli towns from Hezbollah attacks. In a statement accompanying the map, the military explained, "Five divisions, alongside Israeli Navy forces, are operating simultaneously south of the forward defense line in southern Lebanon in order to dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and to prevent direct threats to communities in northern Israel."
Ceasefire Agreement and Broader Implications
Israel and Lebanon agreed to the ceasefire on Thursday, following the first direct talks between the two nations in decades on April 14. The deal is intended to facilitate broader US-Iran negotiations, but it allows Israeli forces to maintain positions deep inside southern Lebanon. There has been no immediate comment from Lebanese officials or Iran-backed Hezbollah regarding the map's publication.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized on Sunday that homes on the border exploited by Hezbollah would be demolished. He stated, "Any structure threatening our soldiers and any road suspected of (being planted with) explosives must be immediately destroyed."
Impact on Lebanese Civilians and Access Issues
When asked whether people who fled Israeli strikes would be allowed to return to their homes, the Israeli military declined to comment. A Lebanese security source noted that while some civilians have been able to access villages on or beyond the Israeli-set line, Israeli forces still prevent access to most areas south of the line.
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2, when Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran, prompting an Israeli offensive. Lebanese authorities report that this has resulted in:
- Over 2,100 deaths, including 177 children
- More than 1.2 million people forced to flee
Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty figures, but sources close to the group indicate at least 400 fighters were killed by the end of March. In response, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel, killing two civilians and leading to the deaths of 15 Israeli soldiers since March 2, according to Israeli statements.
The publication of this map underscores the complex and volatile situation in the region, as military actions continue to shape the landscape and affect civilian lives despite the recent ceasefire agreement.
