IDF publishes fresh map of south Lebanon deployment, says it won’t be withdrawing yet

The IDF publishes an updated map of its security zone in southern Lebanon, saying it will not be withdrawing from the territory at this stage.

Stretching east to west, the deployment line on the map runs up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) deep from the border into Lebanese territory.

“IDF soldiers are stationed in the designated area of operation in southern Lebanon and will continue to remove threats and strengthen the defense of Israel’s northern residents,” the military says in a statement.

The map shows that Israeli troops have advanced deeper into Lebanon since the “forward defense line” was first announced in April, including reaching the outskirts of Nabatieh.

The IDF’s potential withdrawal from areas of southern Lebanon is still being discussed amid direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The teams are expected to convene again next week.

At this stage, the IDF says it will continue to hold onto the territory, “in accordance with operational needs,” to remove any threat to troops and to Israel’s northern border communities.

The military also says that it calls on the Lebanese army to coordinate its activity with the IDF and not approach the security zone, as operations in the area continue.