Israel’s defense minister has announced plans to establish a buffer zone within southern Lebanon, stating that Israel will maintain security control over part of the territory even after the current conflict with Hezbollah ends.
Israel Katz said the area to be occupied could extend as far north as the Litani River, roughly 30 km (18.6 miles) from the Israeli border. He also indicated that all homes in Lebanese villages near the border would be demolished.
Lebanon’s Defense Minister Maj Gen Michel Menassa condemned Katz’s statements, describing them as a “clear intention to impose a new occupation of Lebanese territory.” The announcement was also criticized by European countries, Canada, and the United Nations.
Israel deployed ground forces into southern Lebanon on 2 March and has conducted widespread airstrikes across the country. These actions followed Hezbollah rocket attacks into northern Israel, which were in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s supreme leader in late February—marking the start of the war with Iran.
Even before the current escalation, Israel had been carrying out almost daily strikes against Hezbollah despite a ceasefire agreed in 2024.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, at least 1,238 people have died in Lebanon since early March, including 124 children. The UN’s humanitarian affairs office reports that 52 health workers have also been killed.
via BBC
