Israeli soldiers and tanks at the Lebanese-Israeli border, March 29, 2026. (Credit: Jalaa Marey/AFP)
The Israeli military plan for south Lebanon is becoming increasingly clear. Israel is working to draw, through firepower, the outlines of its military operation: rather than targeting specific points or positions separately, it is acting within the framework of a broader war strategy, tied to the buffer zone it seeks to impose and the extent of the occupation it intends to establish.In practice, the Israelis are operating according to several patterns. In the western sector, they have advanced along the coast, from Naqoura toward Bayyada, employing an encirclement strategy eastward to reach Shamaa. During the 2024 war, they had not reached Bayyada. Today, they have advanced there, leaving the entire Sour coastline exposed. The Israelis signaled their intention to reach the outskirts of Sour, a penetration that could extend up to 29...
The Israeli military plan for south Lebanon is becoming increasingly clear. Israel is working to draw, through firepower, the outlines of its military operation: rather than targeting specific points or positions separately, it is acting within the framework of a broader war strategy, tied to the buffer zone it seeks to impose and the extent of the occupation it intends to establish.In practice, the Israelis are operating according to several patterns. In the western sector, they have advanced along the coast, from Naqoura toward Bayyada, employing an encirclement strategy eastward to reach Shamaa. During the 2024 war, they had not reached Bayyada. Today, they have advanced there, leaving the entire Sour coastline exposed. The Israelis signaled their intention to reach the outskirts of Sour, a penetration that could extend up to 29...
