Israel plans to create buffer zones in Lebanon and Gaza to protect its territory

NPR | By Daniel Estrin

Published April 14, 2026 at 4:34 PM EDT

Israel is creating a large buffer zone in southern Lebanon for a prolonged military occupation, with low expectations that direct talks with Lebanon will lead to quick action on disarming Hezbollah.

Daniel Estrin

Daniel Estrin is NPR's international correspondent in Jerusalem.

See stories by Daniel Estrin

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