In brief
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed Israel's plan to set up a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, maintaining security control in the region up to the Litani River. This comes amidst the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, following the recent escalation of hostilities and significant casualties on both sides. The plan includes the demolition of homes in border villages and prohibits the return of displaced residents until the situation is deemed secure.
Israel's defense minister has announced that even after the conflict with Hezbollah concludes, the country will maintain control over a portion of southern Lebanon by establishing a buffer zone. The minister indicated that this security area will extend up to the Litani River, approximately 30km from the Israeli border. In addition to this military presence, plans are in place to demolish all houses in nearby Lebanese villages. Israel commenced ground operations in southern Lebanon on March 2, following Hezbollah's rocket retaliations against northern Israel, triggered by the assassination of Iran's supreme leader in late February. Since the inception of the latest military actions, over 1,238 Lebanese individuals, including children and humanitarian workers, have reportedly lost their lives, while losses on the Israeli side include military personnel and civilians due to Hezbollah's attacks. The violence has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, forcing over a million residents from their homes. Katz stated that returning evacuees will be prohibited until safety measures protecting northern Israel are fully assessed. This announcement has raised alarm and accusations of collective punishment from Lebanese officials, who perceive the actions as part of a broader agenda of territorial expansion by Israel.
