In brief
Satellite imagery and verified videos show extensive demolitions across southern Lebanon, with over 1,400 buildings destroyed since early March. This destruction follows a directive from Israel's Defense Minister amid its conflict with Hezbollah. Experts raise concerns that such actions may constitute war crimes as the scale of demolitions appears to go beyond military necessity.
Towns and villages in southern Lebanon are being leveled by Israeli demolitions, satellite images and videos obtained by BBC Verify reveal.
BBC Verify analysis found more than 1,400 buildings had been destroyed since March 2 based on verified visual evidence.
This is just a snapshot of the overall damage caused by Israeli air strikes and demolitions, as ground access is limited and available satellite imagery suggests the true scale is likely much higher.
Israel's demolition campaign was ordered following Defense Minister Israel Katz's directive on March 22 to accelerate the destruction of Lebanese homes near the Israeli border, following a model similar to Gaza, as part of its operations against Hezbollah.
This systematic demolition may amount to a war crime, according to international law experts consulted by BBC Verify.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim that their operations comply with the Law of Armed Conflict, stipulating that property destruction is only permitted for imperative military necessity.
However, they have not provided supporting evidence for their assertion that Hezbollah has integrated military infrastructure into civilian areas.
On March 2, Hezbollah launched retaliatory strikes against Israel following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, leading the IDF to respond with extensive attacks across Lebanon.
UN figures indicate that over 1.2 million individuals have been displaced, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting over 2,000 casualties in Lebanon amid this ongoing conflict.
Analysis reveals significant destruction in localities such as Taybeh, où 460 buildings were identified as demolished, while 100 buildings in Naqoura were also leveled during recent operations.
Experts argue that such widespread demolitions seem to target predominantly Shia villages, raising serious legal and ethical concerns regarding international humanitarian law.
