A few hours after U.S. President Donald Trump officially signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the IDF published today (Thursday) the map on which forces are now operating in southern Lebanon. In accordance with operational needs, the IDF has deployed in the security zone, about 10 km inside Lebanese territory, it was stated. IDF forces have established themselves in their area of activity in southern Lebanon and continue working to remove threats and improve protection for northern residents.

The hope now in Jerusalem is that the flawed agreement Trump is rushing toward with Iran will not be realized. Now, after the signing last night, there are 60 days of negotiations, which according to working assumptions will not reach a final deal. Israel's second working assumption is that it must maintain a hold in Lebanon at least until November, when after the U.S. midterm elections a new window of opportunity opens for Israel to act again on the Iranian issue.

In practice, IDF forces remain on the Ali Taher ridge, which serves as a control point over the southern Lebanon area around Nabatieh, a significant center of gravity for Hezbollah. The village of Tebnine, where the IDF has operated in recent days, also continues to serve as a control point. Forces are deployed at specific points up to 10 kilometers deep into the territory, and in some sections up to six kilometers. In practice, the deployment differs slightly at certain points from the yellow line.

The IDF held significant discussions on how forces would be arrayed along the border area in a way that translates territorial advantages and control into observation and fire capabilities. Northern Command analyzed the points and accordingly directed forces on deployment. It should be noted that at present there are no plans for residents to return to villages under IDF control in southern Lebanon.

For now, the IDF will continue to hold the security zone according to operational needs, remove threats to forces, and establish effective defense for northern communities. In addition, the IDF will continue removing threats to forces and civilians identified beyond the security zone. Next steps are still being discussed in the diplomatic channel through direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The teams will convene again next week.

From Israel's perspective, the maritime security zone is an extension of the land security zone, in line with the political echelon's decision. The IDF stresses that operational activity continues and that approaching the security zone is dangerous. The military calls on the Red Cross to coordinate with it, while urging Lebanese residents to avoid entering the security zone due to the risks.

In practice, the IDF has succeeded in remaining at captured points, including some areas beyond the yellow line. The army also preserves its freedom of action to operate against threats even beyond the security line. These were the demands of the chief of staff and Northern Command. This is a significant development because by definition it could also apply to Beirut, where there have been no strikes since the elimination of one Hezbollah communications unit commander early in the week. The IDF has also not struck other areas in Lebanon since the announcement of the memorandum of understanding.

From the military's standpoint, it remains unclear how forces will remain in the area, whether through defensive positions or raids and ambushes, or perhaps both methods depending on terrain analysis. In the coming days the manner in which the IDF stabilizes on the lines will become clearer. Fighting is unlikely to continue through permanent outposts but rather through raids and ambush positions at specific points to ensure there is no infiltration of forces.

The continued presence of forces on the ridge that effectively overlooks Nabatieh sends a signal to Hezbollah that if the ceasefire collapses, the IDF is very close to capturing one of the Shiite terrorist organization's largest strongholds in southern Lebanon.