Israel asserts a broad claim over Lebanese territories, framing its military actions as necessary for determining which areas are safe for habitation. This approach, described as a "hierarchy of sovereignty," reflects a strategy where Israel exercises de facto control over regions in southern Lebanon under the guise of security and self-defense. According to Nadim Houry of the Arab Reform Initiative, this framework—referred to as the "Yellow Line doctrine"—functions not as a defensive measure but as a mechanism for territorial expansion, leveraging legal language to justify ongoing military presence.
The doctrine is seen in parallel with developments in Gaza and Syria, where similar patterns of control emerge under the banner of national security. These practices challenge existing ceasefire agreements and international norms, undermining efforts toward peace and stability. By defining habitability through military authority, Israel effectively shapes civilian life and displacement outcomes, raising concerns about long-term occupation and the erosion of state sovereignty in neighboring regions.