The Digester
general

Israel to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani, minister says

Israel’s defense minister said the military will enter and control southern Lebanon as far north as the Litani River, displacing large numbers and clearing border areas to remove Hezbollah militants.

Mar 24th 2026 · Israel

Insights

  • Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the IDF will occupy parts of southern Lebanon and control the security zone up to the Litani River.
  • Katz said hundreds of thousands who evacuated north will not return south of the Litani until the Hezbollah threat is removed.
  • He said buildings near the Israeli border will be cleared and demolished as part of the operation.
  • The current Israeli campaign began in early March after Hezbollah launched strikes on Israel, prompting expanded military action.
  • Hezbollah called the plan an existential threat and vowed to fight, while Lebanon and international leaders including France expressed alarm.

Sources