In brief
Israel has increased its footprint in southern Lebanon, establishing new bases and building protective infrastructure to create a so‑called security zone. A BBC expedition joined a UNIFIL convoy and saw the complete demolition of several villages, raising war‑crime allegations. Lebanese officials have logged thousands of ceasefire violations, arguing Israel should not occupy Albania until Hezbollah is disarmed. The impasse remains as the two sides deadlock over a pilot‑zone framework, leaving the region in a Gaza‑like stalemate.
Overview
Israel has expanded its military presence in southern Lebanon, citing the need to protect Israeli communities from rocket attacks by Hezbollah.
During a brief stay last month, a BBC crew joined a UNIFIL convoy that shuttled civilians between Christian villages spared in the 2024 war. The convoy passed through an occupied strip of land – roughly 5% of Lebanon’s territory – witnessing new bases, defensive walls, and a net‑covered quarter of homes used by Israeli troops.
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel reports “consolidation and fortification of Israeli positions, construction of protective infrastructure” and notes civilian demolition in support of the military. Human‑rights observers warn these demolitions could amount to war crimes as thousands of displaced Lebanese cannot return.
Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz has called for a “long‑term presence” and a security zone, while Lebanese intelligence alleges over 5,000 ceasefire violations – air strikes, drone attacks and daily incursions. Hezbollah remains opposed; its leaders demand a full Israeli withdrawal before any disarmament talks.
The situation remains a stalemate. Israel insists on a pilot‑zone framework with Lebanese troops holding areas that Hezbollah would dismantle, but the Lebanese government and Hezbollah refuse, leaving the region in a Gaza‑like permanent occupation until political change.
