Israeli military completes troop deployment in southern Lebanon

Troops from the Israeli 91st Division in southern Lebanon. (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had completed the deployment of ground troops along the "defensive line" in southern Lebanon, where they are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

However, the Israeli military has not provided geographical details about the farthest point that its troops have reached into Lebanese territory.

Israeli media reported that the military at this stage does not intend to push troops deeper than about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Israel-Lebanon border.

"At this stage, the IDF soldiers have completed their deployment along the anti-tank missile defense line and continue to operate in the area to strengthen the front defense posture and eliminate threats to residents and communities in northern Israel," the military statement said, citing Al Arabiya with AFP (7/4).

Previously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said on several occasions in recent weeks that Israel intends to build a "security zone" in southern Lebanon that stretches to the Litani river, which flows 30 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border, to prevent rocket, drone or missile attacks on northern Israeli communities.

Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot reported that the military is expected to present the government with "an operational plan to control the front line of villages (Lebanon) as a deeper security zone to the anti-tank line."

Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing military sources, reported that the military "is preparing to increase its forces in southern Lebanon, but there are currently no plans to advance further into the country."

"The sources said the forces had reached what has been defined as the 'front line' outlined in the approved operational plan," Haaretz reported, adding "this line includes southern villages located about 10 kilometers from the Litani River, an area under Israeli military control."

Haaretz reported that the deployment is aimed at preventing anti-tank missile fire on northern Israeli communities. These anti-tank missiles are estimated to have a range of about 10 kilometers.