One month into the campaign against Iran, Israeli military forces continue expanding a security zone in southern Lebanon, with officials saying the operation could last months or even years. Defense officials indicated that even in the event of a ceasefire, troops are unlikely to withdraw, citing the Lebanese government’s inability to disarm Hezbollah.

Forces operating on the ground face sustained rocket, artillery and anti-tank fire, with only seconds of warning before incoming strikes. While Hezbollah has been pushed back in some areas, it continues to launch hundreds of rockets daily toward Israeli forces and northern communities. Five soldiers have been killed and more than 30 wounded since the start of the ground maneuver.

The stated objective is to establish a deeper buffer zone to reduce cross-border attacks and anti-tank fire. Israeli troops are working to destroy weapons infrastructure and assert fire control across southern Lebanon, though officials acknowledge the strain of a prolonged deployment and the need for political decisions on military service to sustain operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the goal is to fundamentally change the security situation in Lebanon, including disarming Hezbollah and clearing weapons up to the Litani River. Western diplomats say the United States is currently focused on Iran and has given Israel relative operational freedom, while more than 600,000 residents have been displaced from southern Lebanon amid the ongoing fighting.