Israeli forces have crossed their self-established boundary in southern Lebanon at least three times in recent weeks, according to interviews with more than a dozen elected officials and residents. The incursions have created a de facto expansion of Israel's declared security zone, which extends between five and 10 kilometres from the border.
In the village of Haris, Israeli forces conducted an operation that depopulated and physically separated a neighbourhood from the rest of the village, advancing around 500 metres beyond the boundary. Wissam Moussa said that Israeli personnel operated a remotely controlled D9-armoured bulldozer that destroyed a road connecting his neighbourhood, called Arayesh, to the rest of Haris, then later detonated a container placed on his property that destroyed his house.
Retired Brig Gen Mounir Shehadeh said the incursions have established "a mobile buffer zone rather than a fixed one" that can be expanded at any time without requiring a constant Israeli military presence. The Lebanese Armed Forces subsequently established a checkpoint where the Israeli bulldozer had operated, effectively cutting off the neighbourhood from the village.
In the neighbouring village of Ayta Al Jabal, Deputy Mayor Hani Saleh said Israeli tanks have incrementally advanced into the village from multiple directions, with forces routinely penetrating around 300 metres before withdrawing. Residents reported that tanks have demolished homes, set wildfires and fired at night, and that a Lebanese military checkpoint now prevents access to parts of Ayta Al Jabal beyond the controlled area.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party, took effect following escalated conflict that began in March. Israel's military did not respond to requests for comment on the reported incursions.
