By Admin 
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israeli forces will capture southern Lebanon up to the Litani River and create a strong defensive buffer zone there. The Litani River is about 30 kilometers inside the Israeli border and this area covers about one-tenth (about 10%) of the total area of Lebanon.
Katz said, ‘The army will control the remaining bridges and security areas up to the Litani River.’ He added that there will be no homes or civilian residents in the southern part of Lebanon where there is ‘terrorism’.
Israeli army will not return before capture
This is Israel’s first official statement in which it has openly expressed its intention to maintain long-term control over a large area of Lebanon. Katz said that millions of people have moved to the north from the south of Lebanon and they will not be able to return until the security of Israel’s northern areas is completely ensured.
Why was this decision taken?
Israel says that this step is necessary to completely destroy Hezbollah and secure its northern border. The army has already destroyed several bridges over the Litani River to prevent Hezbollah fighters and weapons from moving south. Katz described it as a ‘forward defensive line’ and said that where there are rockets and terrorism, the IDF will be present.
What did Hezbollah say about Israel’s intentions?
Hezbollah has described the plan as an ‘existential threat’ to Lebanon and has promised to strongly oppose any occupation.
New turn in the midst of war
This announcement has come at a time when Hezbollah fired more than 30 rockets on Haifa and Nahariya and Iran continued drone attacks on Israel. There were explosions again at the American base in Bahrain. Iran is adamant on its strict demands and there seems little possibility of talks.