Executive Summary 

Israel is expanding its security buffer zones in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria. They justify this contested consolidation of control with the narrative of self defence and national security. Such buffer zones limit Palestinian access to Gaza’s territory and disrupt old and new agreements with Lebanon and Syria. They also have broad humanitarian implications, including disruptions of essential services and displacement of civilians. Although the nature of this military occupation is justified as temporary and for defence reasons, the emergence of settler activities and Israel’s historical precedents seem to indicate a trajectory that leads towards more permanent control. 

Images Sourced From: Etan J. Tal