Israel announces permanent control and destruction strategy in southern Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israeli troops will maintain permanent control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon. Katz stated that the military will implement a strategy of destruction similar to the campaign conducted in the Gaza Strip, noting that approximately 23,000 homes have already been destroyed or demolished in the region.

Military operations are expected to expand toward Nabatieh and the Litani River if attacks from Hezbollah continue. While technical-military meetings are currently taking place in Florida under U.S. auspices to discuss a framework agreement and the implementation of “pilot zones,” Israeli forces continue to conduct intensive air and ground strikes. Recent reports indicate artillery attacks in Mansouri and Bint Jbeil, alongside ground advances by tanks and infantry near Habbarieh.

The humanitarian toll in Lebanon has reached critical levels. Since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has documented at least 4,389 deaths and 12,424 injuries. International agencies estimate that hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced, with some reports suggesting over one million people have been affected by the hostilities.