First aid responders are seen at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Roummane on March 26, 2026. (Credit: Abbas Fakih/AFP)
BEIRUT — The Israeli military operation in Lebanon could last for several months, or even years, according to information reported Sunday by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Aharonoth.
Officials interviewed said that "the Israeli army will probably remain in the region for months, if not longer." Another security official said the Lebanese government is unable to disarm Hezbollah and that the presence of the Israeli army deep inside Lebanese territory should continue "for at least several months, or even years."
Even if there is a cease-fire, the Israeli army should not withdraw, according to defense officials cited by the newspaper.
The goal of the operation is to establish a buffer zone deeper inside southern Lebanon to reduce fire toward northern Israel, Yedioth Aharonoth reported. "We are clearing what we can. This is a combat zone undergoing complete restructuring," said a soldier.
However, questions remain about the army's ability to sustain a prolonged presence, particularly given recruitment challenges, the newspaper noted.
After the 2024 cease-fire, the Israeli army continued to occupy five, and then at least six, positions in Lebanese territory along the border. Since the start of the new offensive on March 2, Israeli authorities have repeatedly said they want to establish such a "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon.
Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered troops to "speed up the demolition" of homes in this area, while other officials said it should extend at least as far as the Litani, where the Israeli army appeared to have reached the level of Taybeh as of Saturday.
