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.

On March 24, 2026, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the annexation of southern Lebanon. In a public speech, Smotrich advocated for extending Israel's border to the Litani River. He stated that the Litani River should become Israel's new northern border with Lebanon, similar to the buffer zone in Gaza. This would effectively mean the occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel. The stated rationale behind this proposal was not included in the article.

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.

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.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with Iran intensifying attacks on Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field. Kuwait reported a drone attack that sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, trapping a large percentage of crude and refined products within the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, fighting has renewed between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes hitting both southern Lebanon and Beirut, including city center neighborhoods. These events suggest a widening conflict with potential global economic consequences due to disruptions in oil supply.

Israeli airstrikes destroyed two bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, claiming they were used by Hezbollah to transport fighters and weapons. This action follows earlier strikes that damaged the Zrarieh Bridge on Friday. The Israeli military had warned civilians to evacuate the area near the Litani crossings prior to the attacks. These strikes are part of a broader escalation, with Israeli forces also hitting multiple locations in Beirut, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 27 injuries. The Lebanese health ministry reports that nearly 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2nd. The destruction of the bridges further exacerbates the displacement crisis, with over a million people already displaced, mainly in southern Lebanon and Beirut.

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.

The UN human rights office stated on March 17, 2026, that Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including strikes on residential buildings and healthcare facilities, may constitute war crimes. This statement follows intensified Israeli air strikes and ground operations in Lebanon as part of the wider Middle East conflict. According to the UN, hundreds of buildings have been destroyed, and displaced civilians and healthcare workers have been killed in the attacks. The UN spokesperson emphasized that international law requires distinction between military and civilian targets and protects healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. Since March 2, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 912 people, including 111 children, and wounded 2,221. The intensified strikes began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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.

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.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, launched approximately 200 missiles and drones into Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut suburbs. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, codenamed "Eaten Straw," targeting Israeli military sites. The IDF stated it would not tolerate harm to Israeli civilians and would respond forcefully to any threats. Tensions have been rising as Hezbollah rearms and resists US-backed ceasefire efforts. Israel's U.N. Ambassador urged Lebanon to restrain Hezbollah or face Israeli action to dismantle the organization. The Lebanese government has expressed interest in direct talks with Israel, but an Israeli official claimed Beirut was not affecting Hezbollah’s behavior.

As of March 11, 2026, war has displaced over 800,000 people in Lebanon in just ten days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. This figure represents approximately one in seven residents of the country. The displaced are fleeing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Many are seeking refuge in temporary shelters such as technical institutes, sports stadiums, and churches in Beirut. Aid groups are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis due to the scale of displacement, which follows another conflict that displaced over a million people just a year prior.

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.