Israel Draws ‘Yellow Line’ in South Lebanon, Defies Ceasefire with Strikes

Israel’s military on Saturday announced it has established a new operational boundary in southern Lebanon, dubbed the “Yellow Line”, and confirmed carrying out strikes against what it described as militant threats despite an ongoing ceasefire.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the line acts as a forward defence boundary — similar to one used in Gaza — marking the first public reference to such a demarcation in Lebanon since the truce came into effect. According to the military, troops identified individuals approaching from north of the line in a manner it deemed threatening.

“Over the past 24 hours, forces operating south of the Yellow Line identified terrorists who violated ceasefire understandings and approached troops in a way that posed an immediate threat,” the IDF said. It added that forces carried out strikes in response, stressing that “actions taken in self-defence and to remove immediate threats are not restricted by the ceasefire.”

In a separate statement, the military said its air force targeted a “terrorist cell” near Israeli troops, though it did not provide details on casualties. It also reported striking an underground shaft south of the line, where it said Hezbollah fighters had been identified entering. “A hit was confirmed,” the IDF said.

The developments come days after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire aimed at opening space for negotiations after weeks of fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The conflict, which began on March 2, has devastated parts of southern Lebanon, with Lebanese officials reporting around 2,300 deaths.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has paused operations but warned it would respond to any Israeli violations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for direct talks with Israel, focusing on securing a lasting truce, Israeli withdrawal from southern areas, border disputes, and prisoner exchanges.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Washington had “prohibited” Israel from carrying out further strikes following the ceasefire and would work with Lebanese authorities to address Hezbollah.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that military objectives remain unfinished, saying Israel has not “yet finished the job” and would continue efforts against Hezbollah even as the ceasefire holds.