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Israel announces long-term security zone in Lebanon
Israel's defence minister revealed plans to establish a permanent buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, extending up to the Litani River, even after the current conflict with Hezbollah concludes. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Lebanon, the UN, and Western nations.
Scope of Israeli military control
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated in a video released by the defence ministry on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain security control over a 30-kilometre (18.6-mile) stretch of Lebanese territory. The zone aims to shield northern Israel from Hezbollah's anti-tank missiles.
Katz also declared that over 600,000 displaced Lebanese residents would be barred from returning to areas south of the Litani River until Israel deems its northern communities secure. Additionally, he confirmed that all homes in border villages would be demolished, citing a strategy modeled after operations in Gaza's Rafah and Beit Hanoun.
Lebanon and international condemnation
Lebanese Defence Minister Maj Gen Michel Menassa denounced the plan as a "clear intention to impose a new occupation," warning of forced displacement and systematic destruction of southern towns. The UN, Canada, and a coalition of European nations also rejected Israel's announcement.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, addressing the Security Council from Beirut, described the escalation as exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. He questioned how the international community should prepare for "a new addition to the list of occupied territories."
"The current escalation is compounding a situation that is already critical."
Tom Fletcher, UN aid chief
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney labeled the ground troop deployment an "illegal invasion," while a joint statement from 10 European countries, including the UK, France, and Italy, urged Israel to respect Lebanon's territorial integrity. The statement also blamed Hezbollah for the violence but called on the group to cease attacks on Israel.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
Since Israel launched its ground offensive on 2 March, at least 1,238 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 124 children and 52 healthcare workers, according to the Lebanese health ministry and the UN. Among the dead are three Indonesian peacekeepers and three Lebanese journalists. The IDF confirmed killing two of the journalists, alleging they were "terrorists" without providing evidence.
In Israel, 10 soldiers and two civilians have died in Hezbollah attacks during the same period. Over one million Lebanese-roughly one-sixth of the population-have been displaced, worsening an existing humanitarian emergency.
Historical context and regional tensions
Southern Lebanon, a stronghold of the Shia Muslim community and Hezbollah's base, has been a flashpoint for decades. A 2024 ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw from the south, but implementation was partial. Israel retained military posts in the area and continued strikes on alleged Hezbollah targets.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of "collective punishment" and warned of "suspicious schemes" to expand its territorial control. Katz countered that Israel acted because Lebanon's government had failed to curb Hezbollah's activities.
Uncertainty over next steps
The IDF's long-term presence in southern Lebanon risks further destabilizing the region, with analysts warning of potential renewed civil conflict in Lebanon. The Lebanese government, historically unable to disarm Hezbollah, faces mounting pressure to respond to Israel's actions while avoiding direct confrontation with the group.
