IDF completes deployment to strategic "anti-tank line" in South Lebanon as elite 98th Division joins offensive

The IDF completes deployment to a strategic ridge in South Lebanon to stop anti-tank fire while the elite 98th Division joins the ground offensive against Hezbollah.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 6:22 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Establishing a Strategic "Security Zone"

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have fortified their positions along a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, effectively creating a forward defensive line. This "anti-tank line" is located in areas deemed essential for removing the threat of Hezbollah’s anti-tank guided missiles, which have an estimated range of 10 kilometers. Military officials state the goal is to establish a demilitarized "security zone" extending up to the Litani River. This buffer will be maintained through a combination of surveillance, firepower, and permanent ground troop presence in strategic villages.

Mobilization of the Elite 98th Division

In a significant expansion of the ground offensive, the IDF has deployed the 98th Division—a formation of elite paratroopers and commando units—to southern Lebanon. This brings the total number of Israeli divisions operating in the country to six. The 98th Division is reportedly focused on clearing "terror infrastructure" in areas where the military has already achieved operational control. Currently, the 146th and 162nd divisions are operating in the western sector, while the 91st, 36th, and 98th divisions raid the eastern and central sectors.

Diplomatic Intervention Over the Masnaa Crossing

Following a period of high tension, the IDF has reportedly held off on striking the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. While the military previously warned it would attack the site to stop Hezbollah's weapons smuggling, U.S. mediators intervened after pleas from Beirut and Damascus. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reportedly secured a U.S. guarantee that the crossing would be spared for political and humanitarian reasons. Although the border remains temporarily closed by Syrian authorities to avoid potential casualties, the strike has been suspended indefinitely.