Israeli troops are set to maintain control over a significant portion of southern Lebanon as part of an intensified military campaign against Hezbollah, Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday.
The announcement signals a sharp escalation in Israel’s cross-border operations, with the establishment of a so-called “security zone” aimed at preventing further attacks on northern Israeli communities. According to Katz, displaced Lebanese residents will not be permitted to return to affected areas until Israel deems its northern frontier secure.
Speaking during a briefing, Katz revealed that Israeli forces had already carried out targeted strikes on critical infrastructure, including the destruction of five bridges along the Litani River. The river, located approximately 30 kilometres north of the Israel-Lebanon border, has long been considered a strategic line in conflicts involving Hezbollah.
“These bridges were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons,” Katz stated, underlining Israel’s intent to disrupt the group’s logistical capabilities and movement within southern Lebanon.
The escalation follows renewed hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which has increased rocket fire into northern Israel in recent weeks. The group claims its actions are in retaliation for ongoing Israeli strikes and the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader, a development that has further inflamed regional tensions.
The fragile ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024 now appears to be effectively collapsed, as both sides engage in near-daily exchanges of fire. Analysts warn that the situation risks spiraling into a broader regional conflict involving multiple actors across the Middle East.
Israeli military officials argue that the creation of a buffer zone is essential to ensure the safety of civilians living in border communities, many of whom have been evacuated due to the persistent threat of rocket attacks. The proposed zone would likely extend several kilometres into Lebanese territory, echoing similar security arrangements implemented during past conflicts.
However, the move has drawn criticism from Lebanese authorities and international observers, who warn that such actions could exacerbate humanitarian conditions and violate Lebanon’s sovereignty. Thousands of civilians in southern Lebanon have already been displaced as a result of ongoing airstrikes and ground operations.
Local sources report widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, homes, and public utilities, further complicating efforts to provide aid to affected populations. Humanitarian organisations have expressed concern over restricted access to the region, which may hinder relief operations.
The Litani River, historically a focal point in Israeli-Lebanese conflicts, holds strategic importance due to its geographic location and role as a natural barrier. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, passed following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the area south of the river was intended to be free of armed groups other than the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.
Despite this, Israel has long accused Hezbollah of maintaining a covert presence in the region, including weapons stockpiles and underground infrastructure. The recent destruction of bridges suggests a broader effort to isolate the group’s operational zones and limit its ability to reinforce positions near the border.
Military analysts note that targeting transportation infrastructure is a common tactic in such conflicts, designed to disrupt supply chains and slow enemy movement. However, these measures often have significant repercussions for civilian populations, who rely on the same infrastructure for daily life and evacuation.
The latest developments also come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with both sides engaging in indirect confrontations through allied groups across the region. Hezbollah, widely regarded as one of Iran’s most powerful proxies, plays a central role in this dynamic.
While Israeli officials maintain that their actions are defensive in nature, aimed at neutralising imminent threats, critics argue that the scale and scope of the operation suggest broader strategic objectives. These may include weakening Hezbollah’s influence in southern Lebanon and reshaping the security landscape along Israel’s northern border.
In northern Israel, residents continue to face disruptions due to ongoing rocket fire, with air raid sirens frequently sounding in border towns. Authorities have urged civilians to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, as the risk of further escalation remains high.
The international community has called for restraint from both sides, urging a return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. The United Nations has reiterated the importance of upholding existing resolutions and avoiding actions that could lead to a wider conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the prospect of a prolonged military presence in southern Lebanon raises questions about the long-term implications for regional stability. The establishment of a security zone, while potentially reducing immediate threats, may also entrench divisions and fuel further hostilities.
For now, both Israel and Hezbollah appear locked in a cycle of retaliation, with little indication of a near-term resolution. The destruction of key infrastructure and the displacement of civilians underscore the human cost of the conflict, even as strategic calculations dominate decision-making on both sides.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members