Israel illegally planning ‘prolonged’ occupation of Lebanon

BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — Israel’s military intends to maintain a permanent presence in southern Lebanon even after the end of its current strikes against the country, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz, raising fears of prolonged occupation and further civilian suffering.

In a video statement, Katz said the Israel Defense Forces would establish a “security zone” inside Lebanon, controlling territory up to the Litani River and maintaining a defensive line against anti-tank threats. 

He added that hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese residents would be “completely prevented” from returning and that all homes in villages near the border would be demolished, citing tactics similar to those used in Gaza’s Rafah and Beit Hanoun areas.

The military has intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, including a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, prompting warnings for residents to evacuate. 

The offensive has resulted in significant casualties, including both UN peacekeepers and Israeli soldiers.

The permanence of the occupation of Lebanon is a strategy of Israel’s expansion game plan, which seeks to grab more lands of the regional countries as part of its project of creating ‘greater Israel’.

Israel reported four additional soldiers killed in combat on Tuesday, including three from a single battalion and one whose name has not yet been released. Two more soldiers were wounded in the same incident.

Analysts warn that Israel’s ongoing offensive, coupled with plans for long-term occupation, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, displaces civilians, and endangers international personnel while undermining regional stability.