Israeli troops will control a large swathe of southern Lebanon as part of their campaign against Hezbollah, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated recently.
Katz confirmed that troops have destroyed several bridges on the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Lebanon-Israel border. A significant security zone will be established, preventing displaced residents from returning until northern Israel is deemed safe.
The Minister reported that five bridges, allegedly used by Hezbollah for facilitating terrorist movements and weapon transfers, have been targeted in this military operation.
The latest hostilities were sparked by Iranian-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel, which was in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's supreme leader and continuous airstrikes against Hezbollah, notwithstanding an existing ceasefire agreement from November 2024.
Since the escalation began, more than 1,072 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, including numerous children and health workers. Over a million people have been displaced, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Israeli officials assert that the offensive aims to safeguard communities in northern Israel from future Hezbollah attacks. This is especially significant as residents had only recently been able to return to their towns after a period of rocket bombardments by Hezbollah.
Minister Katz emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is maneuvering into Lebanese territory not just for a defensive buffer but also to neutralize Hezbollah threats by targeting their infrastructures and personnel.
The current plan echoes Israel's previous military strategies in southern Lebanon during the late 20th century and raises concerns about the potential civilian toll, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denouncing the operations as collective punishment against civilians.
As these events unfold, Hezbollah's leadership has expressed a commitment to resist Israel's advancements, labeling it an ''existential threat'' and vowing to protect their territory against Israeli incursions.
