Israel’s defence minister says it will take control of a large part of southern Lebanon.
By Nathan Morley
Israel’s defence minister said Tuesday the country intends to take control of a broad section of southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops will establish a security zone reaching up to the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the border.
He said displaced residents would not be allowed to return until northern Israel is deemed safe.
Katz said five bridges “used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons” had been destroyed.
Lebanese television footage showed smoke rising over the southern city of Tyre and the villages of Hanniyeh and Kfar Tebnit following Israeli strikes.
The escalation follows Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel, launched in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon despite the November 2024 cease-fire.
Diplomacy
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain murky.
President Trump has said both sides are talking, while Iran denies any negotiations.
Reports suggest intermediaries — including Pakistan and Turkey — are attempting to facilitate dialogue, with the BBC reporting discussion of a possible meeting in Islamabad.
Overnight, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, causing damage to buildings in Tel Aviv and central Israel.
