By Ehud Amiton • April 19, 2026
Jerusalem, 19 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday published a new map of its “Yellow Line” in Southern Lebanon, outlining the front defense zone where Israeli Forces are currently operating. The IDF said the zone forms part of an updated security arrangement established after the ceasefire, with activity concentrated in a belt stretching up to roughly 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.
The map shows the operational area extending from the maritime sector in the west toward the eastern slopes near Mount Hermon, with sections reaching north toward and in some places slightly beyond the Litani River.
“These days, five divisions and naval forces are operating parallel to the south of the front defense line in Southern Lebanon, to destroy the terrorist infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area and to prevent a direct threat to the northern settlements,” the IDF said.
The army said the designated zone is intended to block direct attacks, including raids and anti-tank fire, while enabling continued operations against Hezbollah terror infrastructure. Officials added that the IDF is maintaining freedom of action in the area even under the ceasefire framework, including strikes from both air and ground forces when necessary.
A ten-day ceasefire went into effect on Friday night.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking separately at a ceremony in Sha-Nur, linked the policy to Israel’s broader northern defense strategy.
“We maintain this status when the IDF is deployed in the security zone in Lebanon up to the anti-tank line 10 kilometers deep – from the sea line in the west to the mouths of Mount Hermon in the east,” Katz said.
He added that Israeli forces operating from this line “protect Israeli communities from any direct threat” and continue to act against hostile infrastructure. Katz further said the military has been ordered “to operate with all force, from the ground and from the air, even during the ceasefire.”
He also stated that “any structure that threatens our forces and any suspected IED-laden road must be destroyed immediately.”
Katz said Israel’s objective is to ensure a demilitarized zone up to the Litani line and warned that if Lebanese authorities fail to act, Israel will continue military operations to enforce the security framework.
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