Israel Razes Homes in Southern Lebanon Border Towns

Satellite images and verified videos indicate Israeli forces have demolished more than 1,400 buildings in southern Lebanon since March 2, according to the material reviewed. The destruction has been reported across at least seven towns and villages near the Israeli border, including Taybeh and Aita al-Shaab.

The activity followed cross-border attacks that began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel, according to the account provided. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with strikes and a ground invasion, and the IDF said its operations comply with the Law of Armed Conflict. The military said property is destroyed only when required by “imperative military necessity.”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued an order on March 22 to “accelerate the destruction of Lebanese homes” near the border, citing a “model in Gaza,” as part of Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, according to the source material. The demolitions described have been concentrated in border communities and have included residential structures and public buildings.

In Taybeh, more than 400 buildings were reported leveled between February 28 and April 11, including a mosque. In Aita al-Shaab, more than 460 buildings have been demolished, according to the same set of satellite imagery and video verification. In Naqoura, where the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has its headquarters, explosions linked to demolitions were reported to have caused damage, and at least 100 buildings were said to have been leveled there.

The IDF said Hezbollah has embedded military infrastructure within civilian areas, but no evidence was provided in the material cited. International law experts referenced in the source said systematic demolition of towns could amount to a war crime, noting that destruction of property is prohibited unless demanded by military necessity. They said such necessity requires case-by-case assessment rather than broad, pre-planned destruction.

The reported destruction is occurring alongside large-scale displacement across Lebanon. An estimated 1.2 million people have been displaced nationwide, including 820,000 from the south, according to the figures provided.

Israeli statements described in the source align the approach with an aim to establish a security zone from the border to the Litani river, covering about 10% of Lebanese territory. The scope and legality of the demolitions remain contested in the accounts presented, with the IDF emphasizing military necessity and legal compliance, while experts highlighted uncertainty that would depend on specific facts for each site.