Smotrich urges Israel to annex southern Lebanon as assault intensifies

Al Jazeera ConflictNews ReportEN 3 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffMarch 23, 2026 at 10:27 PM

Part of Story

Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis join Iran in strike on Israel

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to annex southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, as Israeli attacks on Lebanon intensify in March 2026. Smotrich's statement follows increased Israeli military actions, including air strikes and ground incursions, aimed at rooting out Hezbollah fighters after rockets were launched towards Israel following the start of the US and Israel’s war on Iran in late February. These attacks have targeted residential buildings and infrastructure, displacing over 1.2 million Lebanese civilians. The UN and humanitarian groups report dire consequences for Lebanese civilians, with over 1,000 deaths and thousands wounded since early March. Concerns are rising about a potential intensified ground invasion after attacks on bridges connecting southern Lebanon to Beirut.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

More than 1.2 million people have been displaced across Lebanon since early March.

statistic — United Nations100% confidence

The new Israeli border must be the Litani.

quote — Bezalel Smotrich100% confidence

Bezalel Smotrich urged Israel to annex southern Lebanon.

factual — Al Jazeera100% confidence

Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,039 people, including 118 children, across Lebanon since early March.

statistic — Lebanese Ministry of Health90% confidence

Israel appears to be trying to isolate the southern region from the rest of the country.

factual — Zeina Khodr, Al Jazeera80% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beirut 30% Aoun 30% Lebanese Ministry of Health 40% United States 50% Iran 50% Hezbollah ×270% UN ×270% Litani River ×280% Bezalel Smotrich ×290% Lebanon ×9100% Israel ×12100%

Keywords

southern lebanon 100% annexation 90% israeli attacks 90% litani river 80% israeli border 80% ground invasion 70% military assault 70% hezbollah 60% displaced people 60% war crimes 50%