Israel following the Gaza model? IDF establishes ‘Yellow line’ in southern Lebanon

Despite the start of the ceasefire on Friday, the IDF has continued to strike Hezbollah forces deemed to be threatening its soldiers in southern Lebanon, the military announced on Saturday. 

The IDF also announced the establishment of a boundary within southern Lebanon, demarcating the area to be held by Israeli soldiers during the ceasefire, which it referred to as the “Yellow Line,” as in the Gaza Strip. 

“Since the ceasefire came into effect, IDF soldiers south of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon have identified several incidents in which terrorists violated the ceasefire understandings by approaching from north of the Yellow Line toward IDF soldiers, posing an immediate threat,” the military said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.

“Following their identification, and in order to remove the threat, the Israeli Air Force, together with ground forces, conducted precise strikes against the terrorists.” 

The IDF further stated that the ceasefire does not prohibit Israeli forces in the area from acting in self-defense or to prevent harm to Israeli civilians in northern Israel. 

“The IDF is operating in accordance with the directives of the political echelon,” the statement continued.

“Accordingly, the IDF is authorized to take the necessary measures in self-defense against threats, while ensuring the security of Israeli civilians and the soldiers deployed in the area. Actions taken in self-defense and to remove immediate threats are not restricted by the ceasefire. The IDF will not allow harm to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers and will take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.” 

⭕️ REVEALED: The Forward Defense Line and the area in which IDF soldiers are operating, following the ceasefire agreement.

5 divisions are operating simultaneously south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon in order to dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites… pic.twitter.com/eibA2pgDHe

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 19, 2026

In the Gaza Strip, the “Yellow Line” is the name given to the line of demarcation between the territory held by Israel, and that under Hamas control. The IDF-controlled area represents roughly 55% of the enclave following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from active combat areas as part of the October 2025 ceasefire. 

In a similar way, the Israeli military maintains a presence in southern Lebanon, with the Yellow Line functioning as a de facto border between the Israeli forces and the communities of southern Lebanon. 

At the same time, the Yellow Line is only one of several lines of demarcation for the IDF in southern Lebanon, which it has divided into three zones: the red line, the yellow line, and the Litani River. Military officials have said that troops in the territory it holds have standing orders to eliminate any threat to their positions. 

The Yellow Line in southern Lebanon represents the area under full Israeli control. The anti-tank line, which was captured during operations in Lebanon after the start of Operation Roaring Lion, includes around 50 villages to which the Lebanese residents are not allowed to return at present. The military is holding the line to prevent any fire on Israeli communities across the border. 

During the ceasefire, the IDF will continue to operate against any Hezbollah presence, including infrastructure, inside the Yellow Line, much as it continued to destroy Hamas infrastructure inside the Gaza Yellow Line. 

The IDF has called on any Hezbollah terrorists inside the Yellow Line to surrender, or be eliminated. 

At the same time, the IDF maintains fire control over the whole area up to the Litani River. Any Hezbollah forces inside that area and which approach Israeli forces will be targeted. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told cabinet members over the weekend that Israel must maintain freedom of action along the Yellow Line, despite the ceasefire agreement.