Israeli forces maintain positions along a declared buffer zone in southern Lebanon under a June 2026 U.S.-brokered framework agreement, conducting artillery strikes, airstrikes, and limited ground movements in villages around the Nabatieh district such as Kfar Tibnit, Mayfadoun, and Zawtar Sharqieh as of mid-October. These operations target Hezbollah infrastructure while expanding control near the “Yellow Line,” with Israeli statements indicating extended occupation of southern areas. No confirmed ground entry into Nabatieh city itself has occurred amid ongoing clashes and Hezbollah rebuilding efforts north of the Litani River. Scheduled talks on further withdrawals begin October 20 in Tampa, though Israeli military sources have signaled resistance to rapid pullbacks. Trader assessments hinge on escalation signals from Israeli operations or Lebanese army deployments in pilot zones.