Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israeli forces will occupy a significant portion of southern Lebanon, extending north to the Litani River, in a move he described as creating a “defensive security zone.” The announcement marks the clearest indication yet of Israel’s intentions to assert territorial control in Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
Katz said the occupation aims to restrict movements of Hezbollah, which Israel accuses of launching rockets and drones into northern Israeli communities. He added that residents in the targeted area would not be allowed to return until security conditions are stabilized.
Hezbollah condemned the planned occupation as a threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty, warning it would resist any advance toward the Litani River with force.
The declaration comes as the conflict in the region intensifies, with reports of civilian displacement and damage in southern Lebanon amid ongoing military operations.
