The Digester
war

Israel vows to demolish homes in Lebanese border towns and extend occupation to the Litani

Israel announced it will demolish homes in Lebanese border towns, extend control to the Litani River and bar southern residents from returning, citing threats from Hezbolah amid months of fighting.

Mar 31st 2026 · Lebanon

Insights

  • Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to demolish all homes in Lebanese border villages following the Gaza model.
  • Israel says it will maintain security control and occupy territory up to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, affecting roughly 10% of Lebanon.
  • Katz said more than 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon will be forbidden to return until Israeli security is guaranteed.
  • Lebanese Ministry of Health reports 1,247 deaths in five weeks and about one million people displaced since the escalation.
  • Hezbolah resumed open war with Israel on March 2, prompting Israeli ground operations, retention of frontier posts since 2024, and plans for surveillance systems and new bases.

Sources