DayofPal—An Al Jazeera investigation has found that Israel has expanded its effective military control across the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria by approximately 1,000 square kilometers since the start of the war in October 2023.
The report says the combined area under Israeli military control across the three regions is larger than New York City, warning that such expansion could create long-term military and economic strain.
In Gaza Strip, the investigation says Israel introduced a “Yellow Line” following a ceasefire agreement to define areas under its control. However, Al Jazeera satellite analysis and mapping data reportedly show that military activity has extended beyond these declared boundaries.
In northern Gaza, Israeli-controlled territory is said to have expanded from around 67.3 sq km to 73.9 sq km, covering more than half of the region.
The report also states that large-scale demolitions and military operations have affected areas beyond the declared zones, including entire neighborhoods such as Shujaiya.
In Lebanon, following the April 2026 ceasefire, Israel reportedly designated a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. However, the investigation finds that military operations and demolitions were carried out beyond the officially declared limits.
Satellite imagery cited in the report shows damage in villages such as Zawtar Al-Sharqiya, which the report says lies outside the announced buffer zone. Additional demolitions were also documented in other areas not included in official maps.
In Syria, the investigation says there is no officially declared buffer zone. Despite this, Israel is reported to have established a network of military outposts beyond the 1974 disengagement line, creating a de facto control zone in southern Syria.
This area is estimated at about 235 sq km, stretching from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk River. The report also highlights that Israeli forces carried out more than 800 incursions into Syrian territory between late 2024 and early 2026.
The investigation concludes that Israel’s expanding military footprint reflects a broader strategy of establishing buffer zones and reshaping security boundaries on the ground.
Analysts cited in the report warn this could have lasting geopolitical and economic consequences, while Israel has not officially responded to the specific findings.
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