Israel announced plans to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and destroy homes near the border, preventing the return of approximately 600,000 displaced residents. The defense minister stated the area up to the Litani River will be controlled following the conflict with Hezbollah.
The actions are intended to establish a buffer zone and ensure the security of northern Israel. Destruction in Lebanese villages is expected to reach a scale similar to that seen in Gaza.
More than 1200 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 1.2 million displaced since the offensive against Hezbollah began in March. A new law was also passed making the death penalty a default sentence for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis in military courts.
Israel will maintain control of the occupied area even after ground operations conclude.