'Israel's' army to occupy swathe of southern Lebanon, defence chief says
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- ‘Israeli’ defense minister announces plan to occupy south Lebanon up to the Litani River.
- Hezbollah vows resistance; civilian casualties exceed 1,070 with over one million displaced.
‘Israeli’ Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said Tuesday that the ‘Israeli’ army will occupy south Lebanon up to the Litani River, marking the first official statement revealing plans to control roughly one-tenth of Lebanon’s territory.
Read more: 'Israeli' strike on south Lebanon health centre kills 12 medical staff: ministry
During a meeting with the military chief of staff, Katz said the army “will secure the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani River,” which meets the Mediterranean about 30 kilometers north of the ‘Israeli’-Lebanese border.
Hezbollah Threatens Resistance
Hezbollah called the move an existential threat and pledged to fight to prevent occupation. Parliamentary deputy and Hezbollah leader Hassan Fadlallah said any southern advance beyond the Litani would be met with resistance. “We have no choice but to confront this aggression and hold our ground,” he told Reuters.
Read more: ‘Israel’ attacks Syrian army sites in south
Katz previously warned Lebanon it could lose territory if Hezbollah’s Iranian-backed arms were not removed. The group’s rocket attacks on ‘Israel’ on March 2 escalated the conflict.
Escalating Attacks and Civilian Toll
The army has destroyed five bridges over the Litani since March 13 and increased house demolitions in border villages, citing operations against Hezbollah fighters. International law generally prohibits targeting civilian infrastructure.
The United Nations described Katz’s remarks as “extremely concerning.” UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric said, “This is the last thing the people of south Lebanon want to see.”
Casualties continue to rise. Lebanese health authorities report more than 1,070 deaths, including 120 children, 80 women, and 40 medical workers. Over one million people have fled, though thousands remain in southern areas.
A recent overnight strike in the Bashamoun hills killed three, including a three-year-old girl, and damaged nearby homes. Survivors described the destruction as indiscriminate, with civilians trapped in residential areas.
Iran-Lebanon Tensions
Lebanon declared Iran’s ambassador persona non grata, giving him until Sunday to leave, after expelling other Iranian nationals earlier this month. ‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised Lebanon’s decision on X.
