IDF Chief Warns Withdrawal From the Yellow Line Would Restore Hezbollah Raid Threat

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has warned in closed discussions that pulling back from the so-called yellow line in southern Lebanon would bring back the threat of a Hezbollah cross-border raid. According to the report, Zamir said the IDF’s presence has removed that threat, and if troops withdraw, Hezbollah fighters would again be able to operate from beyond the border fence.

The warning comes as the political echelon and the military are presenting a united front. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have both said the goal is to remain inside the yellow line. Zamir said the IDF went into southern Lebanon to eliminate two threats, anti-tank fire and infiltration raids, especially after October 7, and that the mission is to protect northern communities and Israeli civilians.

At the same time, Israeli officials are discussing possible “small withdrawals” from some areas in southern Lebanon, including the Beaufort area. The report said no American demand for an Israeli pullback has been received so far, but consultations have been held over the past day in the security and political establishments, alongside talks between Jerusalem and Washington ahead of renewed negotiations with Lebanon on Tuesday.

The article says the IDF on Sunday uncovered a strategic underground Hezbollah facility in Majdal Zun, about 10 kilometers from the Israeli border, in an area where Israeli forces operated for the first time during the campaign. The military said the site was part of the infrastructure used to launch drones toward Israel. Officials also want any change in deployment to be framed as an Israeli initiative tied to dialogue with Beirut, not as a response to pressure. Even so, they say staying on the yellow line remains a red line and a key bargaining chip in talks.