Israeli Forces Demolish Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon
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BEIRUT — Israeli military forces and civilian contractors have begun a systematic demolition of homes and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, employing tactics similar to those used in Gaza to permanently alter the landscape and prevent residents from returning.
The operation, launched on Wednesday, targets areas south of the Litani River. Israeli Defense Forces have deployed heavy machinery alongside private contractors to raze residential structures, agricultural facilities, and public buildings. The contractors are reportedly paid based on the number of structures destroyed, a model mirroring demolition efforts seen in the Gaza Strip.
Local residents describe the destruction as extensive, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The Israeli military stated that the demolitions are necessary for security purposes, aiming to remove potential cover for hostile forces and create buffer zones. Officials have not commented on the specific payment structure for the civilian contractors involved in the operation.
The campaign marks a significant escalation in the conflict's impact on Lebanon's civilian population. Southern Lebanon has been a focal point of hostilities for months, with thousands of residents already displaced. The current demolitions threaten to make their return impossible, effectively redrawing the region's demographic and physical map.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the scale of the destruction. The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to the demolitions, citing violations of international humanitarian law. Aid groups warn that the loss of housing and infrastructure will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Lebanese officials have condemned the actions as a violation of sovereignty and a war crime. Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the demolitions a "criminal act" that aims to erase Lebanese presence from the south. The Lebanese Army has deployed to the area but has not intervened to stop the Israeli forces.
The Israeli government has not officially acknowledged the use of contractors or the specific payment model. Defense officials maintain that all actions are within the scope of military necessity. However, the presence of civilian contractors and the reported payment structure suggest a coordinated effort to maximize destruction.
Residents in the affected areas are left with no shelter and limited access to basic services. The demolition campaign has destroyed water infrastructure, roads, and communication lines, isolating communities and hindering aid delivery. The long-term impact on the region remains unclear.
As the operation continues, questions remain about the extent of the destruction and the ultimate goal of the campaign. International observers are monitoring the situation, but the Israeli military has restricted access to the area. The fate of the displaced residents and the future of southern Lebanon hang in the balance.