After Beirut strikes, Israel signals plan to seize southern Lebanon
World
Heavy strikes on Beirut, rising casualties, and Israel’s statements about occupying southern Lebanon signal a sharp escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah.
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut and southern regions of the country. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least seven people were killed in Beirut, and more than 20 were injured. The strikes hit southern districts, including Jnah, and a vehicle in Khaldeh.
The Israeli military said it had killed a “senior Hezbollah commander” and another member of the group but did not disclose further details.
At the same time, intense fighting continues in southern Lebanon. Authorities report at least eight people killed and more than 30 injured. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching dozens of rockets toward northern Israel.
Amid the escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel intends to establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon and control territory up to the Litani River. He also said displaced residents would not be allowed to return until security is ensured.
Lebanon strongly condemned these statements. Defense Minister Michel Menassa described them as an “escalation of aggression” and an attempt to impose a new occupation involving destruction and forced displacement.
International reaction followed quickly. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 1,200 people have been killed since the conflict began, and over one million have been displaced.
Incidents involving UN peacekeepers have also drawn attention. Israel accused Hezbollah of responsibility, while the UN stated that investigations are ongoing. Preliminary reports indicate Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed, though the exact circumstances remain disputed.
The Israeli military said it had killed a “senior Hezbollah commander” and another member of the group but did not disclose further details.
At the same time, intense fighting continues in southern Lebanon. Authorities report at least eight people killed and more than 30 injured. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching dozens of rockets toward northern Israel.
Amid the escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel intends to establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon and control territory up to the Litani River. He also said displaced residents would not be allowed to return until security is ensured.
Lebanon strongly condemned these statements. Defense Minister Michel Menassa described them as an “escalation of aggression” and an attempt to impose a new occupation involving destruction and forced displacement.
International reaction followed quickly. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 1,200 people have been killed since the conflict began, and over one million have been displaced.
Incidents involving UN peacekeepers have also drawn attention. Israel accused Hezbollah of responsibility, while the UN stated that investigations are ongoing. Preliminary reports indicate Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed, though the exact circumstances remain disputed.
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