Israel Katz has said Israel will destroy homes in villages near the Lebanon border, as part of a plan to establish a security zone amid the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces aim to create a buffer zone extending up to the Litani River after the conflict ends.
He said the Israeli military would maintain control over this territory to ensure the safety of northern Israel.
Katz stated that all houses in villages near the Lebanese border would be destroyed, citing a model previously used in Gaza areas such as Rafah and Beit Hanoun.
The aim, he said, is to permanently remove threats posed by Hezbollah near Israeli communities.
He also added that displaced Lebanese residents would not be allowed to return until security is fully guaranteed.
The conflict has already caused widespread devastation in Lebanon.
According to reports, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced, while over 1,200 have been killed since Israel launched its offensive on March 2.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 1,268 deaths, including 125 children and 52 medics, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
International concerns and warnings
European leaders have urged Israel to avoid further escalation, including a potential ground invasion.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s presence in Lebanese territory as a violation of sovereignty.
Lebanon’s Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed warned that the conflict risks causing long-term displacement for civilians.
Legal experts have raised serious concerns over the proposed destruction of homes.
Tom Dannenbaum of Stanford Law School said such actions must meet the standard of “absolute military necessity” under the laws of war.
He warned that widespread destruction of civilian property could constitute a war crime and that preventing residents from returning may indicate illegal long-term displacement.
Ongoing fighting and military claims
Israeli officials say Hezbollah has fired nearly 5,000 drones, rockets, and missiles at Israel during the conflict.
The Israeli military claims it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including operations in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Previous fighting has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah, including the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of fighters.
Israel reports that 10 of its soldiers have been killed in the ongoing clashes.
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