Israel Orders Destruction of Litani River Bridges, Intensifies Lebanese Home Demolitions Near Border

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

This directive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

Al Jazeera

The orders come after an Israeli civilian was killed in his car near the border following what the military described as a 'launch' from Lebanese territory.

This represents the first Israeli civilian death linked to fire from Lebanon in the current war phase.

Two Israeli soldiers have also been killed in fighting in southern Lebanon as cross-border hostilities continue to intensify.

The orders were issued during a meeting between Katz and senior military officials, including the military chief of staff.

These actions follow Hezbollah's attacks in response to Israeli actions against Iranian leadership.

The bridge destruction orders specifically target crossings allegedly used by Hezbollah for 'terrorist activity' to prevent the movement of fighters and weapons southward.

International law generally prohibits militaries from attacking civilian infrastructure.

Anadolu Ajansı

The United Nations human rights chief has criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon, particularly its use of widespread evacuation orders.

The Israeli military has already destroyed three bridges in southern Lebanon in the last 10 days.

This includes a main crossing on Lebanon's coastal highway that connected southern Lebanon to the rest of the country.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents to evacuate and move north of the Zahrani River ahead of strikes.

Analysts suggest the attacks on the river's bridges may signal a possible expansion of Israel's ground operation in southern Lebanon.

In addition to targeting infrastructure, the Israeli military has been ordered to accelerate the demolition of Lebanese homes in 'frontline villages' near the border.

“Two Israeli soldiers were also killed in Lebanon earlier this month”

CGTN

This strategy is described as similar to operations in Gaza.

Defense Minister Katz described the approach as mirroring the model used in Beit Hanoun and Rafah.

In those areas, the military created buffer zones by clearing and demolishing buildings near the border.

The objective is to neutralize threats to Israeli communities by creating security perimeters.

This aims to reduce cross-border attacks from the region.

The Israeli military claims these operations are necessary to eliminate Hezbollah operatives.

Human rights organizations warn that wholesale destruction of homes could constitute wanton destruction, which is considered a war crime under international law.

The escalating military operations have had devastating humanitarian consequences for Lebanon.

Reports indicate more than 1,000 people killed in the conflict.

Cyprus Mail

This includes nearly 120 children, 80 women and 40 medical personnel according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Lebanese authorities do not distinguish between civilians and militants in their casualty reports.

The destruction of bridges and infrastructure threatens to create a humanitarian catastrophe.

The region south of the Litani River becomes isolated from the rest of the country.

This potentially cuts off access to food, medicine and other basic needs for thousands of people.

A civilian resident named Lama al-Fares described how her family evacuated when they saw warning messages.

The Israeli military claims it continues to allow residents to evacuate northward for their protection.

The current escalation represents a significant expansion of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon.

“Israel orders destruction of bridges, homes near Lebanon border _Investing”

Investing

This conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah fired into Israeli territory.

Middle East Eye

The attacks followed Israel's actions against Iranian leadership.

Israel has been conducting an extensive bombing campaign targeting Hezbollah positions.

These strikes have targeted areas in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.

The military has also undertaken ground operations.

These include targeted raids on villages suspected of harboring militants.

The spokesperson emphasized that IDF troops are carrying out ground maneuvers.

They describe these as targeted raids on Hezbollah militants and weapons stores.

These operations follow similar strategies used in previous Gaza conflicts.