Israel Demarcates Expanded Military Control Zone in Southern Lebanon

The government of Israel published a map demarcating an expanded military control zone extending 10 km into southern Lebanon. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, stated the security strip is necessary to protect northern Israeli towns from Hezbollah rocket fire. This action follows an Israeli invasion in March and directly challenges a recently signed US-Iran pact calling for the respect of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the establishment of security zones and demanded an immediate Israeli withdrawal. The situation remains strained as US President Donald Trump has criticized Israeli military tactics in the region.

US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for next week in Washington. Israel intends to seek the disarmament of Hezbollah during these negotiations, while Lebanon is pushing for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory.