Israel's 'yellow line' move triggers new concerns on the Lebanon border

Israeli security forces announced yesterday that a new policy has been implemented, declaring a border line in Southern Lebanon referred to as the "yellow line." This practice, which resembles a model previously used in Gaza, aims to administratively reorganize the regions under Israeli control.

However, military officials in Lebanon state that no such line exists on the ground and that the implementation is entirely a unilateral determination by Israel. Discussions and concerns are rapidly growing in Lebanon in response to this one-sided move by the Israeli side.

The scope of the "yellow line" includes approximately 55 Lebanese villages and towns that have been under the control of Israeli forces since March 2. Analyses in the Israeli media point to the similarity between this line and the line between Israel and the areas in Palestine where Hamas was dominant.

According to information obtained from sources in the region, it is stated that the areas remaining between the "yellow line" and the "Blue Line," which is accepted under UN supervision, have been declared a "free-fire zone" by Israel. In this area, the Israeli army intervenes directly when it perceives a potential threat. An Israeli military official reported that "clearing and sweeping operations" are being conducted in the region and that fire is opened upon any suspicious activity.

At the foundation of this approach lies a similar security line created in the Gaza Strip. Immediately following the ceasefire declared on October 10, Israel implemented a comprehensive security zone in Gaza and utilized this mechanism significantly. However, the implementation of a similar system in Lebanon brings with it different political and military reckonings.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Tel Aviv is determined to maintain a permanent presence in the areas of Southern Lebanon that have been brought under control. According to Lebanese sources, however, the Israeli army carried out intense bombardment on the first day of the newly initiated ceasefire, and this situation is being evaluated as a violation of the ceasefire.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced that a ten-day ceasefire was reached following his recent meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, developments on the ground and the "yellow line" debate have laid bare the fragility of this ceasefire.

It is believed that this new border, unilaterally declared by Israel, indicates that the country is attempting to create a permanent security belt in Lebanon. Experts state that this step could bring with it the risks of larger conflicts in the region.

News Source: 12punto