Tel Aviv, Israel – One year after the official declaration of the end of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces still maintain five strategic positions inside Lebanese territory.
It expanded its fortifications and the network of roads leading to them, according to an analysis of satellite images by AFP.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on November 27, 2024, stipulates
This is contingent upon the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure up to about 30 kilometers north of the Litani River.
The party is also supposed to withdraw its forces to approximately 30 kilometers from the border.
Israel: Our presence is essential
However, in February 2025, Israel justified its continued presence at five sites by saying that it was necessary.
“To ensure that there is no Hezbollah activity in southern Lebanon,” with a military unit assigned to each location.
Satellite images from Planet Labs BBC reveal the precise locations of these bases.
Spread across hills that stretch from west to east along the Blue Line border,
This gives Israel strategic control over Lebanese border villages.
Including Shlomi, Shtula, Zar’it, Avivim, Malkiya, Margaliot, and Metula.
Widespread destruction
The Lebanese villages adjacent to these sites, such as Kfarkela, Aita al-Shaab, Maroun al-Ras, Aitaroun, Blida, Markaba and Houla, were exposed.
Widespread destruction due to airstrikes and ground operations.
Comparisons between satellite images showed that the destruction rate reached 65% in Kfarkela.
And 57% in Aita al-Shaab, and 55% in Yaroun, according to researchers from Oregon State University.
These bases range in size from one to two hectares, and include temporary buildings and areas for assembling military vehicles.
It is surrounded by earthen fortifications and piles of various materials.
The western base is located in Labouneh, 150 meters from the site of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The eastern base is located on Hamams Hill, about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
The images also showed the widening of roads leading to these sites to facilitate the movement of military vehicles.
Continuing a pattern similar to what happened in the Gaza Strip,
Buildings and infrastructure were systematically destroyed during Israeli military operations.
