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Israel is preparing to destroy two underground routes in southern Lebanon, withdraw troops in phases to a new line closer to the border and prevent displaced residents from returning to areas it may vacate, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported Sunday.
The two underground routes are located beneath the Ali al-Taher Heights and are expected to be blown up in the coming days, KAN said, citing unnamed military officials who claimed that no “living armed operatives” remained at the site.
The Israeli military is then expected to begin a phased withdrawal from what Israel calls its “security belt” in southern Lebanon.
The plan is expected to be presented this week to the head of the Israeli army’s Northern Command before being sent to the political leadership for approval.
Under the proposal, Israeli troops would withdraw from the so-called “yellow line” to a “gray line” about 2 to 4 kilometers, or 1.2 to 2.5 miles, from the Israeli border.
The army plans to establish around 20 permanent military positions along the new line.
On Thursday, the Israeli military claimed it had established “operational control” above and below ground in the Ali al-Taher Heights area. Hezbollah did not comment on the claim.
KAN also reported that Israel had conveyed a message to the Lebanese government through the U.S. saying displaced residents would not, for now, be allowed to return to areas vacated by Israeli forces.
The issue is expected to be discussed during direct Israeli-Lebanese talks scheduled to resume this month in Rome.
The report comes amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon after Israeli attacks intensified in recent days.
The Israeli army said the escalation followed the interception of a drone allegedly launched by Hezbollah toward Israeli forces operating in what Tel Aviv calls a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
The strikes have continued despite a U.S.-sponsored framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26, which provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory in exchange for deployment of the Lebanese army.
Israel has carried out attacks on Lebanon since March 2, killing 4,362 people, injuring 12,378 and displacing more than 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities.
It continues to occupy areas of southern Lebanon, including territory held for decades and additional areas occupied during the 2023-2024 conflict.
Israeli forces have also advanced more than 10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles, into Lebanese territory during the current conflict.
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