IDF Elite 98th Division Deploys to Southern Lebanon to Neutralize Hezbollah Anti-Tank Capabilities

The IDF expands its southern Lebanon ground operation with the 98th Division, securing a multi-kilometer anti-tank buffer zone to protect northern residents.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 3:16 AM EDT

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

Expansion of Ground Operations into Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces officially announced the deployment of a sixth division to southern Lebanon as part of an escalating ground offensive against Hezbollah. Over the past week, the elite 98th Division, comprised of paratrooper and commando units, began executing targeted ground operations aimed at additional strategic objectives. This deployment signals a significant intensification of the military campaign, as Israel seeks to dismantle the infrastructure used by militants to launch cross-border attacks.

Securing the Strategic Anti-Tank Defensive Line

According to military statements issued on April 7, 2026, IDF troops have successfully completed their deployment along what is described as the "anti-tank line." Positioned several kilometers deep into Lebanese territory, this line serves as a critical buffer intended to deny Hezbollah the ability to launch guided anti-tank missiles at Israeli civilian centers. The military emphasized that this forward defensive position is essential for removing immediate threats to residents living in northern Israel.

Distribution of Forces Across the Western and Eastern Sectors

The current military landscape in southern Lebanon involves five active divisions tasked with specific regional objectives. The 146th and 162nd Divisions have pushed into the western sector, while the 91st and 36th Divisions are focused on conducting raids within the eastern sector. These coordinated movements are designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the border region, ensuring that Hezbollah's operational capacity is challenged simultaneously across multiple fronts.