Mapping the destruction: How Israel ‘wiped out’ Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil

An Al Jazeera visual investigation reveals the systematic destruction of Lebanese border towns, particularly Bint Jbeil, by Israeli forces. Analysis of satellite imagery and open-source intelligence indicates a deliberate policy to make southern Lebanon uninhabitable, with over 1,500 buildings destroyed in Bint Jbeil alone. This pattern of demolishing civilian homes and infrastructure is compared to tactics used in Gaza. Local officials and analysts suggest the objective is to create a depopulated buffer zone, preventing residents from returning. Israel states its aim is to establish a buffer zone to counter Hezbollah attacks. The destruction has continued even after ceasefire announcements, suggesting a long-term strategy.

Israeli forces have announced the establishment of a "yellow line" in southern Lebanon, similar to a measure used in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that its forces operating south of the line identified individuals who violated ceasefire understandings and posed a threat. This is the first time Israel has referred to such a line in Lebanon, following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that began on Thursday, April 18, 2026. A similar "yellow line" in Gaza has divided the territory into zones with differing levels of Israeli military control since a ceasefire began in October. According to Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, this action suggests a "Gazafication" of southern Lebanon, with potential for demolition of villages.

Satellite images and videos analyzed by BBC Verify show extensive destruction of towns and villages in southern Lebanon by Israeli demolitions since March 2nd. Over 1,400 buildings have been destroyed, with the true scale likely higher due to limited access. The demolitions followed an order from the Israeli Defense Minister to accelerate destruction of Lebanese homes near the border, mirroring tactics used in Gaza, as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. International law experts suggest the systematic destruction may constitute a war crime. The IDF claims its operations adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict and target Hezbollah infrastructure embedded within civilian areas, a claim made without providing evidence. These actions occurred after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel, prompting Israeli strikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, displacing over 1.2 million people in Lebanon.