Israel has cleared land mines and established new barriers on the frontier between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and a demilitarised strip bordering Syria, indicating a possible expansion of ground operations against Hezbollah. The move suggests Israel may seek to strike Hezbollah from further east along Lebanon's border, while creating a secure area from which it can freely reconnoitre the armed group and prevent infiltration. Israel's mine removal and engineering works have accelerated in recent weeks, and it has ramped up strikes on Syria. The demining operations could allow Israeli troops to 'encircle' Hezbollah from the east.