Israeli troops will control a large swathe of southern Lebanon as part of their campaign against Hezbollah, Defence Minister Israel Katz says.
Katz stated that troops had blown up bridges on the Litani River, located approximately 30 kilometers from the Lebanon-Israel border, to establish a security zone where displaced residents would not be allowed to return until safety in northern Israel was assured.
Five bridges used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons were destroyed as Israel seeks to counter the threat from the Iranian-backed group.
The recent escalation began after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, a response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader and ongoing Israeli strikes against their positions, despite a ceasefire established in November 2024.
As of now, over 1,072 people have been reported killed in Lebanon, in addition to more than a million displaced, significantly worsening the already critical humanitarian situation in the country.
Israeli officials justify these actions as necessary to protect northern communities from Hezbollah's attacks, especially after residents had returned to their towns only recently following years of conflict.
Defence strategies seem aligned with past military practices seen in Gaza, aiming to create a defensive buffer against perceived threats.
Hezbollah has responded defiantly, indicating a readiness to resist what they declare as an existential threat, intent on protecting their support base in southern Lebanon, which includes various communities beyond just Shia Muslims.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has denounced the plans as a collective punishment against civilians, further complicating an already delicate situation.
