Historically, Israel utilized buffer zones, such as the security zone in southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000 and earlier zones in Gaza, but abandoned them due to the belief that technological surveillance, border barriers, and diplomatic arrangements could replace permanent security belts.
The deployment marks one of the largest Israeli ground efforts in Lebanon in decades.
The crossing was targeted in order to disrupt Hezbollah’s logistics and prevent attacks against both Israeli civilians and Lebanese civilians caught in the fighting.
Israeli intelligence believes that Hezbollah could be ordered by Tehran to open a northern front if Iran comes under attack.
Prior to the October 7th massacre, IDF officials believed buffer zones were unnecessary for national security.
‘IDF operations in Lebanese border towns have eliminated the threat of an Oct. 7-style offensive attack by Hezbollah.’
‘Hezbollah is using civilians as human shields to carry out attacks against Israel,’ warns IDF spokesman.
