Israel is reportedly planning to seize villages along the southern Lebanese border as part of efforts to strengthen security on its northern frontier. According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, citing Israeli media, Channel 12 reported that Israel aims to take control of frontline villages to prevent rocket and anti-tank attacks. The military may be instructed to occupy any area from which attacks are launched toward Israeli territory, with such control potentially continuing until further notice.

The report did not specify which villages might be targeted. An unnamed Israeli security source described the move as a strategic measure that could serve as a bargaining tool in the future. The source also claimed that Lebanon’s government has no effective alternative other than disarming or dismantling Hezbollah.

Despite a ceasefire in place since November 2024, border tensions have escalated again, with intensified Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported that since March 2, at least 968 people have been killed and 2,432 injured in the attacks.