Israel expands military presence in West Bank and southern Lebanon

In the northeastern West Bank, Israel is rapidly increasing its military and settlement presence. The region, which previously saw less occupation, is undergoing significant changes through the re-establishment of evacuated settlements and the creation of new outposts. The Israeli military is constructing military bases and demolishing Palestinian homes, a process described by the military as ‘land clearing’. This expansion has led to the enclosure of agricultural villages behind iron gates and disrupted traffic toward Jenin, creating conditions that observers compare to Gaza.

Simultaneously, in southern Lebanon, Israel is establishing a long-term military presence by creating a security zone that extends up to 12 kilometers into Lebanese territory. This strategy, referred to as ‘advanced defense’, aims to move the defensive line away from Israeli northern settlements and deeper into Lebanon. While Israeli military sources suggest these positions could reach the outskirts of Tyre within a single night, reports indicate that Hezbollah is repositioning its precision missiles and defense systems toward the Al-Tuffah, Jabal al-Rayhan, and Jabal Safi regions following the loss of strategic sites and tunnels.