Israel plans to demolish Lebanese border villages for ‘security zone’
The Israeli army will present a plan to the government this week to demolish all villages and towns along the southern Lebanese border, creating a permanent “security zone” three kilometers deep. Displaced Lebanese residents would be permanently barred from returning, according to state broadcaster KAN.
Israeli military officials are preparing to submit a sweeping proposal to the government that would authorize the demolition of homes in every village and town along Lebanon’s southern border, Israeli state television KAN reported Friday. The plan aims to transform the area—where Israel has already forcibly displaced Lebanese civilians—into a permanent occupation zone under the name of a “security area” extending three kilometers (nearly two miles) into Lebanese territory. Under the proposal, Lebanese residents would never be allowed to return to their homes, and the Israeli army would establish a presence along a so-called “third line” located eight kilometers (five miles) from the border.
Shift in military focus after Iran war
The report also indicated that Israeli military and political leaders believe that once hostilities with Iran conclude, they will shift greater attention to Hezbollah, seeking to sever the connection between the Lebanese militant group and Tehran. Notably, the report stated that disarming Hezbollah is no longer listed as a formal objective, as Israeli strategists have concluded that doing so would require “going through every village in Lebanon one by one.” The assessment marks a significant shift from earlier public statements that suggested disarmament was a core war aim.
Türkiye’s condemnation and regional concerns
For Türkiye, which has consistently condemned Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, the plan represents a dangerous escalation. Ankara has repeatedly called on the international community to act against what it describes as Israeli violations of international law and UN resolutions. Turkish officials have warned that permanent occupation of southern Lebanon would destabilize the entire eastern Mediterranean and could trigger new waves of displacement. As the US-Israeli war on Iran continues to rage, Türkiye urges all parties to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that unilateral “security zone” declarations set a dangerous precedent.
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