Israel weighs limited operation in Lebanon as ceasefire future remains uncertain: The details

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

As Israel threatens not to abide by the declared timeframe of the ceasefire with Lebanon and speaks of the need to resume its war there, Israeli officials discussed requests from military commanders to withdraw most combat units.

The move is aimed at avoiding leaving troops exposed to continued danger while military progress remains constrained by Washington’s demands.

On the ground, along the “yellow line,” which Israel considers its forward defensive line in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army reinforced its presence and instructed troops to eliminate anyone approaching the area.

Meanwhile, military leaders continued examining ways to address Hezbollah’s Katyusha rockets and fiber-optic-guided drones. 

Military reports indicated that resolving the rocket threat is tied to what Tel Aviv describes as clearing Lebanese areas of any Hezbollah presence and maintaining control over them afterward.

The issue of explosive drones, however, remains under review.

During an assessment meeting on the situation in Lebanon, officials discussed two options, though no decision was made on either.

The first option involves launching a limited military operation before the end of the ceasefire period, which has completed its first week out of a three-week timeframe.

The proposed operation would focus north of the Litani River and aim to neutralize 122 mm rockets, attack drones and explosive drones. 

However, officials said such an operation would require several months and reinforced forces, making the proposal difficult to implement.

The second option is diplomatic and aims to reach a stable ceasefire agreement under which Israel would secure one condition: continued freedom to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities by whatever means it deems appropriate.