Israel may expand buffer zones into Lebanon's Iqlim al-Tuffah

Field data suggests that systematic Israeli territorial expansion in Lebanon may extend to the Iqlim al-Tuffah region. The objective appears to be the separation of the Western Bekaa from southern Lebanon, reaching the foothills of Mount Hermon to establish a buffer zone.

This strategy aims to create a continuous line of buffer zones along borders with neighboring Arab nations, stretching from Gaza and the West Bank to the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and including borders with Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In Lebanon, this could involve advancing toward areas such as Kfarmann, Melita, and Jezzine to link southern forces with units stationed near Mount Hermon, potentially connecting southern Lebanon with southern Syria.

MP Kamal Chamoun, a member of the Strong Republic bloc, stated that nothing prevents Israeli forces from reaching the outskirts of Baabda given the current inability of Hezbollah to intercept them. He criticized the Lebanese state's hesitation to enforce the exclusivity of arms within the state, noting that while the Lebanese Army has the capacity to confront armed groups, it lacks the necessary political cover and orders.