Beirut fears Israeli ground incursion via Syria as troops mass near border

Lebanese security officials are growing increasingly concerned that Israel may be preparing to carry out ground incursions into eastern Lebanon via Syrian territory, amid recent Israeli military build-ups in southern Syria.

Two Lebanese security sources, who requested anonymity, told The National that Israeli forces have been advancing cautiously through Syrian territory near the Lebanese border.

They pointed to a deployment of Israeli troops in Qatana, a strategic town located roughly 30 kilometres north of the occupied Golan Heights, 20 kilometres southwest of Damascus, and only 10 kilometres from Lebanon.

“They have a direct line of sight to the eastern region,” one of the sources warned. “This poses a serious threat. Lebanese security agencies are deeply worried that Israel may be planning to consolidate its forces there and initiate incursions into Lebanese territory.”

Officials believe Israel may attempt to replicate in eastern Lebanon the type of military strategy it has used in the south, targeting Hezbollah missile launchers and weapons depots through ground operations. The concern is that Israeli positions in southern Syria could serve as forward bases for such missions.

According to one of the sources, “Israel is trying to expand a security buffer zone in southern Syria, stretching several kilometres closer to Damascus. Their goal is to halt the transfer of Iranian weapons through Syria into Lebanon.”

He added that Israel’s broader strategy includes bolstering its military presence near the Golan Heights, curbing Hezbollah’s operational reach, and entrenching itself further in southern Syria with artillery and other advanced systems. “This might be the first time they are aiming to secure a military foothold in Lebanon’s eastern front.”

These developments unfold as Lebanon remains under increasing pressure from the United States to dismantle Hezbollah’s armed capabilities, while also grappling with continued Israeli airstrikes and internal political turmoil.

During a tense Cabinet meeting on August 5, the Lebanese government failed to vote on a US-backed proposal to disarm Hezbollah. However, the Cabinet did agree to resume deliberations and set deadlines for further action.

“The Cabinet will continue talks on the American proposal during the August 7 session,” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced. “The army has been instructed to formulate a plan to restrict weapons by year’s end, with a final draft expected before August 31.”

This initiative forms part of a broader US-led effort to press Lebanon into disarming Hezbollah. The political discussions were followed by a combative speech from Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem, who forcefully rejected any notion of disarmament, marking one of the group’s most defiant public statements in recent months.

“We are at a very dangerous crossroads,” one of the Lebanese security sources said. “Domestic tensions are escalating, Israeli air operations persist, and now their forces are inching toward Lebanon’s eastern border from Syrian territory.”

He added, “This may be a coordinated campaign — pressure Lebanon politically to disarm Hezbollah, create internal disorder, continue aerial bombardments, occupy southern areas, and push from the eastern front. The threat is real and growing.”

By Tamilla Hasanova