Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Israel will destroy all homes in Lebanese villages near the border and prevent approximately 600,000 displaced individuals from returning to southern Lebanon until northern Israel is secure. Katz vowed to inflict destruction in the area similar to that seen in Gaza, reiterating plans to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Buffer Zone and Security Control
Katz stated that Israel intends to maintain control over a swathe of territory up to the Litani River once the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah concludes. The Litani River meets the Mediterranean about 30 kilometers north of Israel's border, an area comprising nearly a tenth of Lebanon's territory. He emphasized that the Israeli military will establish a security zone inside Lebanon as a defense line against anti-tank missiles.
Displacement and Casualties
Since Israel launched an offensive against Hezbollah on March 2, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, with another 1,200 killed. The Lebanese health ministry reports 1,247 fatalities from Israeli strikes, including 124 children and 52 medics. Sources indicate over 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed, while the Israeli military has lost 10 soldiers.
Military Operations and Threats
Katz outlined that Israeli forces will eliminate Hezbollah's elite Radwan fighters and destroy all weapons in the region. He referenced the "Rafah model" used in Gaza, stating that all houses near the border will be demolished to permanently remove threats to northern Israeli residents. The Israeli military has ordered residents to leave southern Lebanon, Hezbollah-controlled suburbs of Beirut, and eastern political heartlands.
Hezbollah's Response
Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani reported that Hezbollah has fired almost 5,000 drones, rockets, and missiles at Israel during the conflict. The Israeli military announced new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut's southern suburbs, with recent explosions documented in the Dahieh area.
Historical Context
This war marks the second major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since 2024, with Israel previously dealing heavy blows to the group, including killing its leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of fighters. Hezbollah, founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, aims to export the Islamic Revolution and combat Israeli forces.
Katz concluded that displaced residents will not be allowed to return south of the Litani River until the safety of northern Israel is guaranteed, underscoring the ongoing tensions and humanitarian crisis in the region.
