Israel Deploys Additional Division to Lebanon, Expanding Buffer Zone

Israel is deploying its 162nd and 98th Divisions to southern Lebanon, joining the 91st and 36th Divisions already operating there, to expand a buffer zone up to the Litani River — approximately 30 km from the border and covering roughly 10% of Lebanese territory. Defense Minister Katz authorized the IDF to seize additional strategic positions, stating forces would control all remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani. Netanyahu said Israel has created a "genuine security zone" and is expanding it to push anti-tank missile threats further from northern communities. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected negotiations, calling talks under fire "surrender," and vowed confrontation. The escalation follows the collapse of a November 2024 ceasefire that required Israeli withdrawal; Israel maintained troops, citing Hezbollah's refusal to disarm. Lebanon's health ministry reports over 1,000 killed and more than one million displaced since fighting resumed March 2.