Israel launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon early on Sunday, saying the attacks were in response to two Hezbollah drones targeting Israeli soldiers in an area where Israel has established a security zone.
The latest strikes came as Israel considers a new plan to reshape its military presence inside southern Lebanon, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN.
The proposal could see the army establish a new security zone stretching between 2 and 4 kilometres into Lebanese territory while reducing the number of troops deployed there.
The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to residents near a building in the southern town of Arab Salim, saying Hezbollah was using the site and would be targeted.
There was no immediate response from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group.
Israel said on Friday, 4 September, that it had also struck weapons storage facilities in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of preparing the sites for military use.
The latest escalation comes despite a U.S.-mediated agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv that envisages a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
KAN reported that Israeli military planners are considering what they call the “grey line” as a framework for redeploying forces in southern Lebanon.
Under the proposal, Israel would establish military positions along a new zone near the border, which could also serve as launching points for operations further inside Lebanon.
The plan reportedly follows Israeli efforts to destroy tunnels in the Ali al-Taher heights in Nabatieh province. Israel said last week that it had achieved “operational control” over the strategic heights.
Israel's political leadership has not yet approved the proposed redeployment, and it is expected to be discussed before any final decision.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israeli forces had consolidated control over what he described as a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
Israel continues to hold territory in southern Lebanon, including areas it has occupied for decades and others seized during the 2023-24 war.
During the current offensive, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory – their deepest incursion since Israel withdrew from most of southern Lebanon in 2000.
Israel describes its current deployment area as the “yellow line”, referring to territory where its forces maintain military positions and operational control. The proposed “grey line” would provide a new framework for redeployment while allowing Israel to retain the ability to conduct operations inside Lebanon.
The developments have raised fresh concerns that the current confrontation could become more entrenched, despite diplomatic efforts to secure an Israeli withdrawal.
The escalation has come at a devastating cost for civilians. Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March have killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 and displaced more than one million.
The continuing strikes and Israeli military operations in the south have fuelled fears that the relative stability achieved during previous periods of the conflict could give way to another prolonged war.
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