Israeli army orders south Lebanon residents not to cross 'buffer zone' line

BEIRUT — The Israeli army on Tuesday again warned residents of south Lebanon not to move south of the line marking the “buffer zone” it intends to establish, despite a cease-fire that has been in place for nearly a week.

A map showing a red line roughly parallel to the Lebanese southern border was published on the X account of the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee. The line stretches from Mazraat Byout al-Sayyad in the Sour district to east of Ainata in the Hasbaya district.

The Israeli army said civilians are also barred from approaching the Litani River, Wadi Slouki, and Wadi al-Salhani.

It added that residents of 47 towns and villages are prohibited from returning to their homes, including:

• In the Sour district: Bayyada, Naqoura, Shamaa, Tayr Harfa, Jibbayn, Dhaira, Matmoura, Yarin, Zalloutieh, Boustan, Shihine, Marwahine, Labbouneh, Abu Shash, Um al-Touteh, Iskandarouna
• In the Bint Jbeil district: Beit Lif, Ramieh, Aita al-Shaab, Hanine, Tiri, Rshaf, Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Bint Jbeil, Ainata, Kounine, Aitaroun
• In the Marjayoun district: Blida, Mais al-Jabal, Houla, Markaba, Tallousa, Odaisseh, Kfar Kila, Taybeh, Deir Siryan, Qantara, Bani Hayyan, Alman
• In the Nabatieh district: Robb Thalathin, Maissat