Israel defence minister says he ordered troops to seize new positions in Lebanon
France 24
by FRANCE 24March 3, 2026
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Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have authorised the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to seize additional strategic positions in southern Lebanon to establish a buffer zone. This move comes in response to recent attacks by Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group, which has escalated regional tensions. The goal is to prevent further attacks on Israeli border communities while creating a protective barrier inside Lebanon.
The IDF’s Northern Command has already taken control of key terrain, describing these actions as tactical measures rather than a full-scale ground invasion. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that the buffer zone aims to safeguard Israeli residents from potential threats. Meanwhile, Lebanese forces have redeployed troops from certain border positions due to safety concerns amid the escalating tensions.
The situation escalated following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel, which were reportedly aimed at avenging the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes. In response, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in Lebanon, including targeted killings of senior Hezbollah officials like Hussein Moukalled and Reza Khazai, who were linked to Iran’s Quds Force.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks on Israeli military targets, while Israel maintains that all options remain open to counter incoming rocket fire. Despite these developments, the IDF has stated there are no plans for a full-scale ground invasion but has reinforced troop deployments along the Lebanese border and strengthened air defences.
This escalation highlights the fragile state of regional stability. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, coupled with Iran’s influence in Lebanon, raises concerns about further military confrontation and its potential impact on the broader Middle East. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the risks of escalating tensions between major players like Iran and Israel.
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Originally published on France 24 on 3/3/2026