Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced plans for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to demolish all homes in border villages in southern Lebanon. This strategy aims to establish a new security zone similar to those in Gaza.
Katz stated, “All homes in the Lebanese villages near the border will be destroyed, following the example of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip,” emphasizing the need to eliminate threats along the border once and for all.
Following the operation, the IDF intends to create a security zone in Lebanon and maintain control over the area up to the Litani River. Katz also mentioned that Israel will prohibit the return of over 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon to their homes until safety is guaranteed for northern Israeli citizens.
He further asserted, “We are determined to separate Lebanon from Iranian influence—removing the fangs of the snake and depriving Hezbollah of its ability to pose a threat,” adding that Israel aims to change the situation in Lebanon through a sustained IDF presence to ensure security.
In recent developments, on March 1, Hezbollah representatives publicly expressed their solidarity with Iran and declared war against Israel. In response, Israeli military forces launched a series of airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as areas around Beirut.
The Spanish government condemned Israel for its attacks on bridges and residential buildings in Lebanon, labeling them as a “gross and deliberate violation of international humanitarian law.”
Israel's Defense Minister has outlined plans for a significant military operation in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of homes and the establishment of a security zone. This comes amid rising tensions following Hezbollah's recent declarations of solidarity with Iran and subsequent Israeli airstrikes in the region.