Lebanon Conflict — 2026-03-26

Israel Expands Ground Invasion in Southern Lebanon With Fifth Division Deployment

Israel deployed its fifth division (Division 162) into southern Lebanon to expand a buffer zone, with a sixth division (98th) being prepared. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans for a "larger buffer zone" extending to the Litani River, approximately 30km from the border. Israeli officials stated displaced Lebanese residents will not be allowed to return until Israel determines its northern border is secure. More than 1.2 million people have been displaced and at least 1,116 killed since the invasion began March 16.

Analysis
Five divisions committed in 10 days is a rapid force commitment that constrains Israel's operational flexibility elsewhere. The Litani River objective implies a semi-permanent occupation zone, not a raid. With 1.2M displaced, the humanitarian burden will fall on Lebanon's caretaker government and UNIFIL, both already at capacity.

2 sources

Israel sends more troops into southern Lebanon as ground invasion expands - Al Jazeera
Lebanese fear another occupation as Israel threatens to use Gaza tactics in the south - Washington Post