Israeli ‘Gray Line’ Plan Would Withdraw Troops from Most Occupied Lebanese Territory

Israel is weighing a withdrawal from most of the Lebanese territory it currently occupies, but the proposed retreat would stop two to four kilometers inside Lebanon. The new position, dubbed the “gray line,” would replace the broader “yellow line” now held by Israeli forces.

The proposal follows the Israeli military’s announcement that it had established operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon and begun destroying an underground tunnel complex built by Hezbollah. Israeli officials have described the coming period on the northern front as “sensitive days,” with two sharply different outcomes possible.

Hezbollah, and possibly Iran, could retaliate and reignite the war. Alternatively, the group could absorb the blow, allowing Israel to pull back from the ridge and the existing “yellow line” while creating a new security belt closer to the international border.

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Sensitive days

Under the plan reported by Kan 11, Israeli positions would remain inside Lebanese territory and could serve as launch points for operations deeper into Lebanon if Hezbollah activity were detected. Israeli security officials have discussed using the new zone to protect communities on the Israeli side of the border.

The military is expected to ask the Israeli government to pursue a political agreement with Beirut that would establish understandings on Hezbollah’s disarmament. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has said the group would surrender its weapons only to the Lebanese state, and only as part of practical steps showing that Israel had withdrawn. He has insisted that disarmament cannot come before withdrawal.

Israel wants the Lebanese Army to take control of evacuated areas and prevent Hezbollah from returning to its southern positions. It also wants a mechanism to monitor that process and intervene militarily if the Lebanese Army fails to stop a return. Kan 11 reported that the plan has not yet been approved by Israel’s political leadership, and that questions remain over the transfer of control and negotiations between the sides.

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There could be no disarmament without a withdrawal.