Ceasefires and construction: How Israel is cementing its presence in Lebanon and Syria

AI Summary

Israel has established fortified military bases in southern Lebanon and Syria since late 2024, suggesting an intention to maintain a permanent presence despite ceasefire agreements. The bases stretch from the Mediterranean coast to the Yarmouk basin and Mount Hermon, raising concerns among Lebanese and Syrian military sources.

Ceasefires and construction: How Israel is cementing its presence in Lebanon and Syria Daniel Hilton on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:56 Satellite imagery shows Israel has developed a string of bases from the Mediterranean to the Yarmouk River in newly occupied territory. Sources say it looks like they're here to stay Israeli soldiers operate at Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, in this handout image released on 31 May 2026 (Israeli military/handout via Reuters) On With its sweeping panoramas of south Lebanon and flags rising over 1,000-year-old battlements, the footage Israel released last week of its troops seizing Beaufort Castle was intended to provoke awe and anger. The Crusader castle is certainly an impressive landmark with a poignant history. But while the eyes of invading Israeli soldiers will have undoubtedly been drawn to the vast basalt blocks of its ancient walls, some vestiges along the western ramparts may have also caught their attention: concrete bunkers. Between 1982 and 2000, Israel maintained a permanent base at Beaufort Castle, one repeatedly shelled by Hezbollah during a guerrilla campaign that eventually forced the occupiers out. A quarter of a century later, Israel has again established fortified military bases on vantage points in newly occupied land. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); This time, they stretch through southern Lebanon and Syria, from the Mediterranean coast to the Yarmouk basin via the summit of Mount Hermon. Developed since late 2024, analysis of satellite imagery reveals a concerted effort to build fortifications and infrastructure that suggests an intention to remain in situ. Syrian and Lebanese military officers and sources close to Hezbollah tell Middle East Eye they are under no illusions: despite promises of withdrawal, Israel intends for these bases to remain permanent. “If you are planning to withdraw, you do not carry out this much work,” a Lebanese military source tells MEE. Lebanon: Invasion, truce and development Israel invaded Lebanon in October 2024, escalating year-long, cross-border clashes with Hezbollah that the Lebanese movement launched in response to the genocide in Gaza. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By the time Israel agreed to fully withdraw in a 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement, Lebanon was traumatised. Hezbollah’s leadership had been largely wiped out, 4,000 people had been killed by Israel and more than a million had been displaced from the south and areas of Beirut. Under the terms of that agreement, the Israelis had 60 days to pull out, with Hezbollah promising to retreat north of the Litani River in return. Yet, despite an extension, the deadline came and went, with Israel refusing to leave five positions it established in the first days of the invasion. These five bases were all built on hilltop positions, giving a clear line of sight over large stretches of south Lebanon. Running along most of Lebanon’s 79km border with Israel, they loom over several towns and villages, all of which have now been depopulated and some of which have been levelled. Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force set to wind down its operations in 2027, has operated in the area for two decades, and Israel appears to be making use of - and improvements to - tracks used by its patrols. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post at Labbouneh, Israel’s most western position, is just 150 metres from a Unifil base and 2km from the force’s main headquarters on the coast. Similarly, at Tal Dowary near Houla, the Israeli base has been established 1.5km from Unifil peacekeepers. Satellite imagery shows work beginning at the sites in October 2024. At first, nearby buildings are destroyed. Israel has used air strikes, detonations and bulldozers to raze areas close to the border. The images also show roads being widened, land degradation and earth fortifications emerging over the following months. By the turn of the year, accommodation units and vehicles have started appearing at the bases. Work really gets going once the ceasefire begins and Israel has agreed to withdraw. From January to September 2025, Israel rapidly develops the sites. Fortifications are widened, heightened and expanded, including alongside some roads. The perimeters of some bases grow, with roads broadened and watchtowers erected. By November, images show a large increase in accommodation units and vehicles in all the sites. “For 15 months, we watched the Israelis bring in reinforcements, conduct drilling works, and open roads around these sites - steps that suggest an intention to remain permanently,” the Lebanese military source says. Images from October 2023 and December 2025 reveal a new Israeli base, to the right of the image, adjacent to the existing UN base at Labbouneh (MEE) The bases are, says a source close to Hezbollah, operational centres “designed def