Israel army says established 'Yellow Line' in Lebanon, as in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces said that it has established a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon and has already carried out strikes against suspected militants approaching its troops on Saturday, despite an ongoing ceasefire.

The military said forces operating south of the line identified individuals it described as “terrorists” who crossed from the north and posed what it called an immediate threat.

“Immediately after identification and in order to eliminate the threat … forces attacked the terrorists in several areas in southern Lebanon,” the military said in a statement.

It added that actions taken in self-defense are not restricted under the ceasefire terms.

Buffer line mirrors Gaza division

The “Yellow Line” appears to mirror a similar demarcation used by Israel in the Gaza Strip, where territory has been divided into zones controlled by Israeli forces and Hamas since a ceasefire took effect there on Oct. 10.

The Israeli military referred publicly to such a line in Lebanon for the first time since a 10-day truce was agreed on Thursday.

Fragile truce after weeks of war

The ceasefire follows six weeks of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which included extensive Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities say the conflict, which began on March 2, has killed nearly 2,300 people and caused widespread destruction in southern areas, including the city of Nabatiyeh.

Hezbollah has halted military operations since the truce took effect, but warned it remains ready to respond to any violations.

Calls for negotiations

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said direct negotiations with Israel are essential to solidify the ceasefire and address broader issues, including Israeli troop withdrawal, detainees, and disputed borders.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had prohibited Israel from carrying out further strikes in Lebanon after the ceasefire, adding that the United States would work with Lebanese authorities to address Hezbollah.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had not “yet finished the job” against Hezbollah and vowed to continue efforts to dismantle the group, signaling ongoing tensions despite the truce.