Israel expands military presence in Syria and Lebanon

Israel is expanding its military presence and territorial control within Syria and Lebanon. Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visited Mount Hermon on September 9, 2026. Netanyahu described Israel's control over the area stretching from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk River and the Mediterranean Sea as ‘absolute and without precedent.’ This move is viewed by analysts as a strategic effort to establish a permanent military and political reality in the region ahead of the October 27 Knesset elections.

In southern Lebanon, the Israeli military has seized the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, approximately 15 km from the border. This expansion involves the creation of a ‘Yellow Line,’ a unilateral buffer zone extending 8-10 km into Lebanese territory, which has resulted in the destruction of numerous villages and the displacement of over half a million people. While a ‘Grey Line’ proposal suggests a narrower 3-4 km troop repositioning, Israel intends to maintain remote operational control via drones and artillery. The conflict has caused significant devastation in Lebanon, including over 4,300 deaths and approximately $1.4 billion in property damage.