Israel Draws ‘Yellow Line’ in South Lebanon, Continues Strikes Despite Ceasefire

Israel’s military said on Saturday it has established a new operational demarcation in southern Lebanon, calling it a “Yellow Line”, and confirmed carrying out strikes against what it described as militant threats near its forces.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the line functions as a forward operational boundary, similar to one used in Gaza. This is the first time the military has publicly referred to such a line in Lebanon since the recent ceasefire came into effect.

According to the IDF, troops identified individuals approaching from north of the line in what it described as a threatening manner.

“Over the past 24 hours, IDF forces operating south of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon identified terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces from north of the line in a way that posed an immediate threat,” the military said.

It added that forces responded with targeted strikes.

“In order to eliminate the threat, forces carried out attacks in several areas,” the statement said, stressing that “actions taken in self-defence and to remove immediate threats are not restricted by the ceasefire.”

Later, the IDF said its air force struck a “terrorist cell” operating near its troops along what it described as the forward defence line, though it did not specify casualties.

It also reported additional strikes, including one on an underground shaft south of the line, where it said Hezbollah fighters had been identified entering. “A hit was confirmed,” the military said.

The developments come days after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire aimed at creating space for negotiations following weeks of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

The conflict, which began on March 2, has caused widespread damage in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese authorities reporting around 2,300 deaths.

Despite the truce, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has paused its operations but warned it would respond to any Israeli violations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for direct talks with Israel to stabilise the situation, focusing on a lasting ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, border issues, and prisoner exchanges.

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

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled that military operations are not over, saying Israel has not “yet finished the job” and will continue efforts against Hezbollah even as the ceasefire holds.