Israel Destroys Bridges Over Litani River, Steps Up Border Demolitions Near Lebanon

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to destroy all bridges over Lebanon's Litani River and intensify the demolition of homes near the southern border.

““We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan,” Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement”

Al Jazeera

The directive came after an Israeli civilian was killed and two soldiers were killed in fighting.

Al Jazeera

Israel claims the bridges are used for 'terrorist activity' by Hezbollah fighters and weapons transport southward.

The Litani River represents a strategic geographic boundary in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.

The IDF stated it will continue taking decisive action to neutralize threats emanating from Lebanon.

This systematic approach mirrors previous Israeli military operations in Gaza, particularly in areas like Beit Hanoun and Rafah.

The destruction of civilian infrastructure has raised serious humanitarian concerns, with human rights organizations warning of potential war crimes.

The Qasmiyeh Bridge, a vital crossing linking Lebanon's south to the rest of the country, has been targeted and severely damaged.

Anadolu Ajansı

Human Rights Watch researcher Ramzi Kaiss warned that destroying homes in southern Lebanon wholesale would amount to 'wanton destruction, which is a war crime.'

International law requires armed actors to consider civilian harm even when targeting infrastructure used for military purposes.

The systematic isolation of the region south of the Litani River could create a humanitarian catastrophe.

Over one million people have already been displaced by the ongoing conflict.

Political leaders across the region have condemned Israel's actions as dangerous escalations that threaten Lebanon's sovereignty.

“It was destroyed in the last war and we had rebuilt a basic structure to live in - I hope it's still standing," she told Reuters”

Asharq Al-Awsat

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has sharply criticized the bridge attacks, labeling them 'a dangerous escalation and flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.'

Aoun warned that the systematic destruction represents 'an attempt to sever the geographical link between the area south of the Litani and the rest of Lebanon's territory.'

France has expressed concern about the escalation, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meeting Israeli officials.

The Lebanese government has outlawed Hezbollah military activity and has stated its desire for direct talks with Israel.

Arab nations bordering Lebanon are closely monitoring developments and calling for immediate cessation of military actions.

The current military operations represent a significant escalation within the broader regional conflict.

Hezbollah's rocket attacks into Israel on March 2 were retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

BBC

The Litani River has historically been a strategic boundary in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.

The Litani was featured in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the area to be free of armed groups.

Israel's current operations echo Operation Litani from 1978, raising concerns about potential renewed occupation.

The conflict is being fought within the context of Iran-Israel tensions, with Israeli officials acknowledging the fight against Hezbollah 'will be long'.

Israeli military officials have characterized the current operations as the beginning of a prolonged campaign.

“Israel struck a main bridge linking Lebanon's south to the rest of the country on Sunday after ordering its military to destroy all crossings over Lebanon's Litani River and to step up the demolition of homes near the southern border”

CBC

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that 'the operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has only begun... This is a prolonged operation.'

CBC

The military has announced plans to 'intensify ground operations in Lebanon' and is preparing 'to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan.'

Israeli forces have begun 'booby-trapping and blowing up houses' in border areas like Taybeh.

The Israeli military claims it has killed a Hezbollah commander from the elite Radwan Force special operations unit.

Despite official statements about protecting communities, the scale suggests broader strategic objectives.