Israel Signals Long-Term Security Zone in Southern Lebanon Up to Litani River

On 24/03/2026, Israel signaled its intention to establish a long term security zone in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers north of the internationally recognized border. The proposed area covers nearly one tenth of Lebanon’s total landmass and includes towns, agricultural areas, and key transport routes between the southern coast and inland districts. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces would seek control of all territory south of the Litani River, describing the boundary as a defensive line intended to separate Hezbollah positions from Israeli communities near the border. Israeli officials outlined operational measures tied to what was described as the Litani line. These included seizing control of remaining crossings, destroying bridges over the Litani River, and dismantling infrastructure linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country. The measures followed airstrikes on key bridges and demolition operations in villages near the frontier. Katz referenced operational approaches previously used in Gaza, stating that the same model of clearing frontline areas and restricting movement would be applied to southern Lebanon to create a buffer zone. Israeli authorities also indicated that large numbers of displaced Lebanese residents would be prevented from returning to areas within the proposed zone until security conditions change. Officials linked the restrictions to preventing the reestablishment of armed positions and limiting anti tank missile attacks from close range. Lebanese officials warned that such measures would result in prolonged displacement and further damage to civilian infrastructure in southern districts. On 29/03/2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an expansion of the planned zone, with Israeli officials stating the objective was to push Hezbollah anti tank missile fire farther from the border and neutralize infiltration risks. By that time, Israeli forces had continued demolitions in border villages and strikes on infrastructure, including bridges over the Litani River, as part of efforts to isolate the area south of the river from the rest of Lebanon.