Israel destroys Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon

On March 2-3, 2026, Israel significantly escalated its military campaign against Hezbollah by destroying the strategically vital Qasmiyeh Bridge over southern Lebanon's Litani River.

“Israeli army destroys bridge over Litani River in southern Lebanon Lebanese president warns destruction of infrastructure could precede ground invasion Istanbul The Israeli army said Sunday that it destroyed the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, claiming the Hezbollah group used it to transfer fighters, weapons, rockets and rocket launchers from north to south of the river”

Anadolu Ajansı

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun immediately condemned this action as 'collective punishment' in a statement on X.

Anadolu Ajansı

The destruction came as part of Israel's expanded military operations, which included a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon on March 3.

This bridge was one of several targeted infrastructure pieces, with Israeli forces also striking bridges in Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr, Matariyeh, and Burj Rahhal.

The timing of these attacks coincided with renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, following a barrage of missiles that had struck Israel from Lebanese territory.

The Qasmiyeh Bridge was identified by Lebanese authorities as one of the most strategically important crossings in southern Lebanon.

It served as a critical coastal artery that connects areas north of the Litani River, including Sidon, with southern regions toward Tyre and Naqoura.

Naharnet

According to Lebanese President Aoun, the destruction aimed to 'sever the geographical connection between the southern Litani region and the rest of Lebanese territory.'

Defence Minister Israel Katz had explicitly ordered the Israeli army to destroy 'all bridges over the Litani River' that the country claims are used by Hezbollah.

The coordinated attacks on multiple bridges created a comprehensive disruption of Lebanon's southern transportation network.

The destruction of the Qasmiyeh Bridge has created severe humanitarian consequences for southern Lebanon.

“ByPalestine Chronicle Staff Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military on Sunday to “immediately” strike bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli media”

Palestine Chronicle

It has significantly impeded evacuation routes and access to essential aid for affected populations.

Lebanese officials reported Israeli strikes targeted multiple locations including al-Qlayleh, al-Henniyeh, Jwaya, al-Tiri, and numerous other villages.

Naharnet reported at least 4 civilian deaths and 7 injuries from these attacks.

The attacks have destroyed electricity and water providers while razing civilian homes and villages.

The National reported more than 1,000 killed in Lebanon since war with Hezbollah reignited, including 100 children and dozens of medics.

Over one million people have been displaced, creating what Lebanese officials describe as a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The systematic destruction of infrastructure represents a broader Israeli military strategy.

It aims to isolate southern Lebanon and establish what Lebanese officials describe as a 'buffer zone' south of the Litani River.

Anadolu Ajansı

Defence Minister Katz stated these operations follow 'the Beit Hanoun and Rafah models in Gaza,' suggesting a pattern of deliberate destruction.

Lebanese President Aoun characterized these actions as 'a policy of collective punishment against civilians, which is unacceptable, condemned, and unjustified.'

Mr. Aoun warned of 'a dangerous tendency towards the systematic destruction of infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanese villages.'

The coordinated attacks appear designed to create lasting strategic advantages while inflicting maximum civilian displacement and suffering.

The escalating Israeli military actions have drawn strong condemnation from Lebanese authorities.

“Israeli army destroys bridge over Litani River in southern Lebanon Lebanese president warns destruction of infrastructure could precede ground invasion Istanbul The Israeli army said Sunday that it destroyed the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, claiming the Hezbollah group used it to transfer fighters, weapons, rockets and rocket launchers from north to south of the river”

Anadolu Ajansı

They characterize the operations as both violations of national sovereignty and potentially war crimes under international law.

Naharnet

Lebanese President Aoun described the bridge destruction as 'a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.'

Mr. Aoun noted Lebanon had 'long warned against through diplomatic channels' what it now sees as a prelude to a full-scale ground invasion.

The targeting of civilian infrastructure has been criticized as it impacts civilians' ability to access essential services and escape conflict zones.

The scale of civilian casualties and displacement has led observers to question whether Israeli actions are proportionate to their stated military objectives.