Israeli Army Radio revealed details of what it called the “yellow line” conditions within the framework of the ceasefire arrangements with Lebanon, explaining that they include new restrictions on the scope of military operations within Lebanese territory.
The radio stated that the ceasefire instructions prohibit carrying out attacks in the areas of Beirut, the Bekaa, and most of southern Lebanon outside what is known as the “yellow line,” while allowing the Israeli army to continue its operations within this region in southern Lebanon.
She indicated that military behavior along the “yellow line” will be similar to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, where any elements approaching the forces or crossing this line will be targeted, while continuing to destroy what Israel considers military infrastructure within its scope.
On the other hand, it explained that the areas located outside the “yellow line” – including Beirut, the Bekaa, and most areas south of the Litani – are considered areas prohibited for Israeli military operations under the ceasefire.
The radio reported that these arrangements represent a greater restriction on freedom of operations compared to the previous ceasefire agreement in late 2024, when Israel continued to carry out daily strikes targeting southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, and sometimes extended to Beirut.
It reported that the Israeli military establishment had set two basic conditions before agreeing to a ceasefire, namely remaining within a buffer zone and freedom of military action, considering that the first condition had been met, while the fulfillment of the second condition was still in doubt.
She concluded by noting that there is a fear in Israeli circles that these restrictions will reduce the ability to move on the ground, which may provide Hezbollah with an opportunity to strengthen its positions north of the “yellow line.”
Talk about the “yellow line” comes in the context of a sensitive phase of establishing a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, as international parties seek to regulate the rules of engagement and prevent a return to a broad confrontation, after months of severe military escalation.
According to the Israeli description, this line represents a buffer zone administered according to special rules of engagement, different from the rest of Lebanese territory, which reflects an attempt to redefine the boundaries of military operations in a more precise way, but at the same time it raises questions about Lebanese sovereignty and the mechanisms for implementing the agreement.
This development coincides with the continuation of field violations, especially through flying drones and carrying out bombings in southern areas, which keeps tension present despite the announcement of a ceasefire.
The comparison presented by Israeli Army Radio between the “yellow line” and the situation in the Gaza Strip shows a trend towards adopting similar field models, based on separating areas in which military action is permitted and those prohibited, which may raise field and political problems in the event of disagreement over the interpretation of these rules.
On the other hand, Lebanon faces additional challenges, especially in light of the need to stabilize the south in parallel with the return of the displaced and removing the effects of war, in addition to the essential role played by UNIFIL forces in monitoring the implementation of Resolution 1701, amid fears that any new violation will undermine the path of calm and rearrange the situation in the region.
