How Israel seized 1,000 sq km in two years, its biggest territorial expansion in decades

Israel has seized large chunks of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria (Representational image/AP)

Over the past two-and-a-half years, since the war with Hamas erupted in October 2023, Israel has taken control of large areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, marking its biggest expansion of military-held territory in decades. The combined area—about 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles)—is larger than many major cities. Israel has said it plans to remain there “indefinitely."

The land seizures began after Hamas’ 2023 cross-border attack, which triggered fighting on multiple fronts. The Israeli military responded by taking control of parts of Gaza and later expanded its presence into areas of Lebanon and Syria. In Gaza and Lebanon, Israeli land seizures and evacuation warnings have displaced more than 3 million (30 lakh) people. Israel describes these areas as “buffer zones,” saying they are necessary to prevent future attacks by militant groups. The “buffer zones”—covering roughly 5% of Israel’s area—are not recognised as new borders, though concerns persist that they could become permanent. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has never had clearly defined borders, with its boundaries shifting through wars, annexations, ceasefires and peace agreements.

Here is a deeper look at the Israeli expansions: Lebanon Israel and Hezbollah have fought multiple wars since the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group was formed in 1982. Israel controlled much of southern Lebanon between 1982–2000 to "protect" northern Israeli communities. After its withdrawal in 2000, the UN established a boundary between the two countries. A year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah ended with an October 2024 ceasefire.

However, the truce collapsed in March last year. Israel then launched a ground invasion into Lebanon. When fighting was halted in April, Israel said its military would hold an area up to 10 kilometres (6 miles) deep inside Lebanese territory. Israel now controls about 608 square kilometres (234 square miles) in Lebanon, according to the Carnegie Middle East Center. Evacuation warnings have displaced around 1.2 million (12 lakh) people, and Israel has warned civilians not to return. Gaza Israel took control of the Gaza Strip from Egypt in the 1967 Mideast War and withdrew troops and settlers in 2005. Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, and its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel triggered the ongoing war. When a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel pulled back to a zone marked by the so-called “yellow line,” leaving it with control of just over half the strip. Almost the entire population—more than 2 million (20 lakh) people—has been pushed into overcrowded tent areas dependent on aid.

Large parts of the territory, including much of its farmland, have been bulldozed or are inaccessible. With ceasefire talks stalled over Hamas disarmament, Israel has since shifted the line west and expanded control to more than 60% of Gaza—about 194 square kilometres (75 square miles), according to Gisha. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated control could rise to 70%. Syria Israel took control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it, a move not widely recognised internationally. After the 1973 war, the UN created a buffer zone in southern Syria adjacent to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, monitored by about 1,100 peacekeepers. In December 2024, after the collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, Israel moved forces into the buffer zone, citing security concerns over armed groups and Iranian supply routes to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The UN and other observers say the move violates the 1974 ceasefire agreement.

Civilians have largely remained in place but face checkpoints and occasional clashes. Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has called for withdrawal from the area, which the UN estimates at about 235 square kilometres (91 square miles). West Bank Since taking control of the West Bank in 1967, Israel has established over 100 settlements across the territory. Since 2022, the Israeli government has approved 47 new settlements and formalized or expanded 55 existing ones, according to Peace Now. After the Gaza war began, Israel expanded military operations in the West Bank, displacing tens of thousands of Palestinians. Some approvals involve retroactive legalization of outposts, while others expand existing settlements. Settlement growth has been driven by political support within Israel and backing from a pro-settlement US administration. The international community considers the settlements illegal, and Palestinians view them as a major obstacle to a future peace deal. (With AP inputs)