Israel announced on March 24 its military will take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border. This marks the first time Israel has explicitly stated its intention to seize territory representing nearly a tenth of Lebanon.
The move comes as fighting continues with Hezbollah, resulting in over 1,039 deaths and displacing more than a million people in over three weeks. Israeli forces have targeted Hezbollah positions in south Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, including a strike on Bshamoun that killed at least two people. A bridge across the Litani River, reportedly used by Hezbollah for weapons transport, was also destroyed.
Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated Israeli troops may remain in parts of Lebanon even after conflict ends, and previously warned Lebanon’s government of territorial losses if Hezbollah is not disarmed. Israel shows no signs of slowing its military campaign.