Israel's defense minister has stated that the country intends to create a buffer zone within southern Lebanon and maintain security control over the area after the conclusion of the current conflict with the militant group Hezbollah. Minister Israel Katz emphasized that this security area will extend to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from Israel's border, and indicated that all homes in nearby Lebanese villages would be demolished.
Israel initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon on March 2, escalating its military actions following Hezbollah's rocket fire in response to the assassination of Iran's supreme leader. Katz's announcement underscores Israel's strategy of establishing a defensive line against potential anti-tank missile threats originating from Lebanon.
The conflict has led to significant casualties, with at least 1,238 people reported killed in Lebanon, including children and health workers, while 10 Israeli soldiers and two civilians have fallen victim to Hezbollah attacks. Additionally, three Indonesian peacekeepers and three Lebanese journalists have been killed amid the military escalation.
The ongoing violence is contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, displacing over a million people, creating fears of a renewed civil war, and deepening existing human suffering. Katz's remarks on demolishing homes and banning displaced residents from returning until the security situation is stable have drawn severe criticism from Lebanese officials, who have described these actions as collective punishment against civilians.
Israel initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon on March 2, escalating its military actions following Hezbollah's rocket fire in response to the assassination of Iran's supreme leader. Katz's announcement underscores Israel's strategy of establishing a defensive line against potential anti-tank missile threats originating from Lebanon.
The conflict has led to significant casualties, with at least 1,238 people reported killed in Lebanon, including children and health workers, while 10 Israeli soldiers and two civilians have fallen victim to Hezbollah attacks. Additionally, three Indonesian peacekeepers and three Lebanese journalists have been killed amid the military escalation.
The ongoing violence is contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, displacing over a million people, creating fears of a renewed civil war, and deepening existing human suffering. Katz's remarks on demolishing homes and banning displaced residents from returning until the security situation is stable have drawn severe criticism from Lebanese officials, who have described these actions as collective punishment against civilians.
