Israel intends to control swathe of southern Lebanon: Defence Chief Israel Katz
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The news: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the country will control a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River, as Israel seeks to create a buffer against Hezbollah.
The context: Reuters reports that during a meeting with the military chief of staff on Tuesday, Katz said: “All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF will control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said, referring to the Israeli military.
He continued: “Hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon who evacuated north will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed for the residents of the North”, referring to Israeli towns near the Lebanon border that have previously been subjected to Hezbollah rocket fire.
Following the comments, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants announced its decision to withdraw approval of the accreditation of the Iranian ambassador, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, and declare him persona non grata, demanding that he leave Lebanese territory no later than Sunday, 20 March, 2026.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli foreign affairs minister, Gideon Sa’ar said he had spoken with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, about the latest developments in Iran and Lebanon. In a post on X, Sa’ar wrote that during the discussion, “I emphasised the massive scale of missile, rocket, and drone attacks against Israel from Lebanon. Israel is acting to defend its communities and citizens. I described the reality of life these days in our northern communities, to which residents returned after over a year in which they didn’t live in their homes.”
Sa’ar added that while “most international media outlets” are portraying the situation as only on one side of the border, “Unfortunately, the Lebanese government is not taking practical steps against Hezbollah, neither to stop the attacks on Israeli civilians, nor in other contexts.”
