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 would establish a security zone up to the Litani River, about 30km (19 miles) from the Lebanon-Israel border, and emphasized that displaced residents would not be allowed to return until northern Israel was deemed safe.
Katz also noted that five bridges, reportedly used by Hezbollah for transporting fighters and weapons, had been destroyed. The military escalation follows retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader and ongoing Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire established in November 2024.
Since the latest surge in conflict, over 1,000 fatalities have been reported in Lebanon, including numerous civilians and health workers. More than a million people are now displaced, creating a potential humanitarian crisis.
Israeli officials assert this operation aims to safeguard northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah threats. Katz described the strategy as creating a defensive space, reminiscent of tactics used in Gaza. Meanwhile, Lebanon's government has remained committed to disarming Hezbollah, though the group has refused to discuss its arms.
In response to the Israeli military maneuvers, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun denounced the plans as a form of collective punishment against civilians.
