IDF Prepares to Withdraw Forces from Southern Lebanon After Tunnel Destruction

Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to reduce their troop presence in southern Lebanon following the completion of operations to destroy Hezbollah tunnels in the Al-Tahir mountain range. Security officials are reportedly discussing the establishment of a new security buffer zone closer to the Israeli border, potentially between three and four kilometers deep.

Under this proposed plan, the IDF would withdraw from certain areas currently occupied under the "Blue Line," which includes the existing security strip within Lebanese territory, even extending north of the Litani River to areas like the Beaufort Castle region. Instead, forces would redeploy to positions nearer the border, establishing fortifications and military posts within Lebanese territory, a deployment concept referred to as the "Gray Line."

The plan remains in its early stages and has not yet received political approval. Key issues requiring resolution include the transfer of control over evacuated areas to the Lebanese army and the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Nevertheless, security preparations indicate a significant reduction in deployed forces in southern Lebanon.

The Al-Tahir mountain range held strategic importance due to its oversight of the Nabatieh region and routes connecting southern Lebanon to the Ikleem al-Tuffah area, a historical Hezbollah stronghold. Israeli assessments suggest that controlling this area has hampered Hezbollah's mobility, supply lines, and rocket and drone attacks into Israel.

In recent weeks, the 36th Division operated in Al-Tahir, ambushing militants, targeting tunnel entrances, and employing bombs, drones, and ground and air fire. Several Hezbollah operatives were killed in the tunnels, while others escaped. The IDF reported finding command and control centers, weapons depots, power generator rooms, kitchens, and living quarters within the underground complexes, enabling prolonged operations.

The IDF stated that this infrastructure, built over two decades with Iranian planning and funding, significantly weakened a key Hezbollah operational capability. Following the tunnel clearing, the IDF anticipates sensitive days on the northern front, with potential retaliation from Hezbollah and possibly Iran.