Israel says it will keep control over part of southern Lebanon after war with Hezbollah ends

Amidst escalating conflict, Israel intends to occupy a portion of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, establishing what Defence Minister Israel Katz calls a "security zone." This area constitutes approximately one-tenth of Lebanon. Katz announced the plan at a meeting with the military chief of staff. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, views this potential occupation as an "existential threat" and has vowed to resist any Israeli troop presence south of the Litani. The group stated that they will confront what they see as aggression and defend their land. Katz previously warned Lebanon that failure to disarm Hezbollah could result in territorial losses.

In March 2026, Lebanon is experiencing a second large-scale Israeli attack within two years, exacerbating the suffering of its population amidst a US-Israeli war on Iran. Approximately a quarter of Lebanon's population has been displaced due to Israeli evacuation orders in the south and Beirut's southern suburbs. The renewed conflict began after Hezbollah retaliated for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, ending a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024. Israel has intensified attacks on southern Lebanon and declared its intention to occupy the region, leading to increased frustration and fatigue among Lebanese civilians due to ongoing violence, economic strain, and uncertainty about the conflict's duration. Foreigners are said to be the most vulnerable.

Israeli forces struck the Qasmiyeh bridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, a key route connecting the south to central Lebanon. This action follows a statement by Israel's defense minister that Israeli forces were instructed to destroy crossings over the Litani river used by Hezbollah for reinforcements. The strikes have raised concerns among Lebanese citizens that Israel intends to isolate southern Lebanon, potentially hindering the return of displaced families. The ongoing conflict has already displaced over a million people, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. The BBC is reporting on the situation from Lebanon.

Lebanon has declared the Iranian ambassador persona non grata and demanded his departure by Sunday, while also recalling its ambassador from Tehran for consultations. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry cited Iran's violation of diplomatic norms as the reason for the action. This decision occurs amidst ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including air strikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a Hezbollah attack on March 2. The conflict, triggered by the US-Israel killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, has resulted in over 1,072 deaths, thousands injured, and the displacement of over 1.5 million Lebanese people. Israel claims to be targeting members of Iran's IRGC, while Iran states those killed were civilians.

In March 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Lebanon's fight against threats to its security is "just," emphasizing that no violation of sovereignty is justifiable. His statement comes amidst escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The fighting has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and the displacement of 1.1 million people in Lebanon. Macron's comments suggest support for Lebanon's position in the face of increasing attacks by Israel. The context of the statement is the ongoing and intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.

Due to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon, particularly after Israel issued evacuation orders for southern regions. This displacement follows intensified Israeli campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered by rocket fire into northern Israel. Displaced families, many from Hezbollah-supported areas, are struggling with overwhelmed shelters and are forced to sleep in cars or makeshift tents. The BBC spoke with displaced families, including children and pregnant women, highlighting their difficult living conditions amid the conflict. The situation is particularly dire as families face extreme weather conditions and a lack of adequate shelter.

In March 2026, Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. The strikes hit locations including the Al-Manar TV headquarters and a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-run financial institution. These actions appear to be part of an Israeli effort to weaken or dismantle Hezbollah. The attacks occurred in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, and other areas of the city. Photographic evidence shows significant damage to the targeted buildings.

On March 16, 2026, Israeli bombing attacks devastated neighborhoods in Beirut's southern suburbs. According to the news report, the destruction has left areas in ruins. Israel stated the bombings targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. As a result of the attacks, hundreds of thousands of people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The report highlights the significant impact of the bombing campaign on the civilian population and infrastructure in Beirut.

Overnight Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon on March 15, 2026, resulted in the deaths of at least four people, according to Lebanese media and the Ministry of Health. One person was killed in Sidon, and three others in al-Qatrani. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and launch sites in Lebanon, including al-Qatrani, and destroyed command centers in Beirut. The Israeli army issued immediate evacuation orders for residents in several Beirut neighborhoods, citing Hezbollah activities and threatening military action. Hezbollah also reported targeting Israeli troop positions near the border. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Since March 2nd, Israeli bombings in south Lebanon have allegedly targeted medical facilities and personnel, according to Lebanese healthcare workers and officials. They report at least 128 strikes on medical sites and ambulances, resulting in 40 deaths and 107 injuries among healthcare workers. The attacks, occurring amidst the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, include alleged double-tap strikes. Medical workers and facilities are protected under international law, and deliberately targeting them could constitute a war crime. The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, a claim the Lebanese Ministry of Health denies. The majority of attacks have been against the Islamic Health Association (IHA), a health service affiliated with Hezbollah.

Since March 2, over 1,000 people in Lebanon, including 40 healthcare workers, have been killed in intensified Israeli attacks, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attacks, which have also wounded over 2,500, followed rocket launches by Hezbollah into northern Israel after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli bombardment, targeting Hezbollah, has displaced over one million people and included residential buildings and infrastructure. Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire into Israel and ground engagements. The UN human rights chief's office has stated that some Israeli attacks may constitute war crimes, emphasizing the need to distinguish between military and civilian targets.

Following Israeli attacks in March 2026, over 800,000 people in southern Lebanon, approximately 15% of the population, have been displaced and are seeking refuge in schools, stadiums, and with relatives in Beirut. The displacement stems from Israeli bombardments in response to rocket launches by Hezbollah, which cited the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader as the reason for the attacks. The conflict marks an escalation after a period of relative calm following the November 2024 ceasefire. Lebanese authorities report that only a fraction of the displaced are in collective shelters, with many scattered and lacking adequate housing. The United Nations has launched a $308 million appeal to provide aid to Lebanon, where the attacks have killed at least 850 people.

In Lebanon, over 800,000 people, approximately one in seven of the population, have been displaced in the first ten days of the current conflict. This displacement follows just over a year after a previous conflict uprooted over a million Lebanese. Many of those displaced lack adequate shelter, with government-run shelters already full and unaffordable housing options. The Lebanese government, facing financial constraints, has only been able to accommodate around 120,000 people. Individuals like Fatima Nazha, displaced from Beirut's southern suburbs, are struggling to find suitable shelter, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by many. The ongoing conflict with Israel is the cause of this mass displacement.

Residents of Beirut's Aicha Bakkar neighbourhood reported feeling safe until an Israeli air strike hit their area on March 11, injuring four people and causing significant damage to a residential building. Mohammad al-Ahmad, who lives in the building next door, described hearing two explosions and finding his apartment covered in glass and concrete debris. The attack occurred after Hezbollah responded to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 2. Israel intensified its attacks on Lebanon following the Hezbollah response, despite a ceasefire having been in effect since November 2024. The strike targeted a building used by the Jama’a Islamiye group, which denied any involvement. Israeli forces have pushed further into Lebanese territory, engaging Hezbollah in battle in several southern villages.

Tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah as Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets and drones at northern Israel on Wednesday night, injuring two. The attack, coordinated with Iranian missiles, marked the most intense assault by Hezbollah in the recent conflict. Israel responded with heavy bombardments of Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties and significant damage, including a strike in central Beirut that killed at least seven. The coordinated attack by Hezbollah and Iran, targeting over 50 locations in Israel, is a major escalation in the ongoing conflict, making Lebanon the most intense site of fighting in the region. The fighting is part of a larger war in Iran launched by Israel and the US two weeks prior.

A video report published on March 13, 2026, details the impact of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, particularly around Beirut. The report, led by Christina Goldbaum, shows the areas affected by the strikes. Following evacuation warnings issued by Israel amidst conflict with Hezbollah, hundreds of thousands of people have fled from Beirut's surrounding areas and a large portion of southern Lebanon. The report aims to show the extent of the damage and displacement caused by the ongoing conflict. The video includes contributions from Jon Miller, Christina Thornell, Joey Sendaydiego, and David Guttenfelder.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in Beirut on Saturday that diplomatic solutions are still possible to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah. He urged the international community to support Lebanon and emphasized that there is no military solution. Guterres highlighted the availability of diplomatic channels, including his special coordinator for Lebanon and key member states, to bring parties to the table. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah attacked Israel following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Guterres condemned attacks against UNIFIL peacekeepers, stating they are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes, referencing the recent wounding of three peacekeepers. He affirmed efforts to de-escalate the situation and cease hostilities.

Lebanon's President Aoun has proposed direct negotiations with Israel to end the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The proposal, presented during a virtual meeting with EU officials, includes a truce, Hezbollah's disarmament, and international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to regain control of tense areas. Aoun criticized Hezbollah for acting against Lebanon's interests and dragging the country into a wider regional war, accusing the group of prioritizing its own agenda over the well-being of the Lebanese people. He highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, with hundreds killed and over 700,000 displaced. While Lebanon is ready to negotiate, it insists on a cessation of Israeli fire. Israeli officials have not yet commented on the proposal.

Aid groups are warning of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as war has displaced over 800,000 people in just 10 days, approximately one in seven Lebanese citizens. This displacement follows a recent escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israeli strikes becoming more intense and unpredictable. Many of the displaced are without shelter, as government-run shelters are overwhelmed, and the government struggles to provide adequate assistance to the affected population. The strikes, targeting areas beyond specific locations, have resulted in over 700 deaths, including 103 children, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The current situation is reportedly more difficult than the previous conflict, leaving many like Fatima Nazha struggling to find adequate shelter and basic necessities.

On March 12, 2026, an Israeli strike on Beirut's beachfront resulted in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area where displaced families were sheltering in cars and tents. The location was being used as temporary housing due to ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between the two groups. The reason for the specific targeting of the beachfront area remains unclear.