The Israeli government has announced its intention to establish military control in southern Lebanon, extending the area up to the Litani River. This measure aims to create a strategic security zone and represents approximately 10% of Lebanese territory. Since March 13, Israeli forces have begun the destruction of five bridges over this river and accelerated the demolition of homes in nearby villages to weaken Hezbollah.
Hassan Fadlallah, a prominent Hezbollah legislator, warned that the group will not hesitate to defend the region’s sovereignty and will respond militarily to any incursion. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened the Lebanese government with the loss of territory if it does not disarm groups considered terrorists.
In a parallel development, the Lebanese government has declared Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani ‘persona non grata’ and has requested him to leave the country by March 29. This decision comes amid rising diplomatic tensions with Iran, which Beirut views as a violation of diplomatic norms.
The situation in the region is critical, with over a million displaced due to the attacks, while the UN has criticized Israeli actions, particularly the use of evacuation orders, as violations of human rights. For more information on the current situation, you can read about the tax declaration timeline starting on March 26.
