Israel Says It Will Control South Lebanon ‘Security Zone’ Up to the Litani

Overview

• Israel’s defense minister, who announced Tuesday the demolition of five bridges over the Litani River, said the army will control remaining crossings and a security zone up to the river.
• Hezbollah told Reuters it will fight to block any buffer zone, and the Lebanese government accused Israel of seeking an occupation of the south.
• Israel Katz said hundreds of thousands displaced from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return south of the Litani until Israel deems the north secure, which raises urgent aid and access concerns.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of severe retaliation, including missile and drone strikes, if Israeli operations continue, as regional tensions grow around Lebanon and Israel.
• The Litani has served as a key line under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 since 2006, so Israeli control up to the river would mark a major shift with knock-on effects that now include EU calls to halt fighting and oil prices topping $100.