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Buffer Zone · Geopolitics · Israel · Lebanon
Israel's national security debate intensifies over re-establishing a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as former defense officials sharply divide on its efficacy for protecting northern communities amidst rising cross-border fighting, twenty-six years after the 2000 withdrawal.
Col. (res.) Ronen Cohen, a former Mossad section head, and Maj.
Gen. (res.) Yossi Peled, former head of the IDF Northern Command, advocate for a limited 2-5 kilometer strip, citing strategic depth, reduced infiltration, and past civilian protection.
Peled highlights five years of civilian safety during the previous zone. Conversely, Maj.
Gen. (res.) Nimrod Sheffer, former head of the IDF Planning Branch, strongly opposes the idea, arguing it guarantees constant fighting, high casualties, and fails to address missile threats.
Sheffer points to the historical "Lebanese quagmire" and suggests political agreements with the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah as a more sustainable solution. The debate reflects a familiar dilemma for Israeli leaders, balancing immediate tactical advantages of military options against risks of long-term entanglement, while diplomatic alternatives face regional uncertainties.
