Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday called for annexing southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. The comments come amid escalating Israeli air and ground strikes targeting Hezbollah positions. Lebanese authorities report over 1,000 fatalities and more than a million displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Smotrich said the campaign should end with a “different reality entirely,” including redrawn borders. He also suggested Israel formally annex territory in Gaza up to the current armistice line. The remarks reflect a far-right stance, often exceeding official Israeli government policy.
Read more: Death toll in Lebanon from Israeli strikes rises to 886
Israeli forces have bombed bridges, destroyed homes, and ordered residents south of the Litani to evacuate. Defence Minister Israel Katz hinted earlier that Lebanon could lose territory if Hezbollah does not disarm. Smotrich’s statements sparked deep concern in Lebanon, which has faced repeated invasions and occupations from Israel since 1978.
Lebanese officials are calling for foreign pressure to halt the war. The government has outlawed Hezbollah military activity and offered to hold direct talks with Israel. Meanwhile, local residents report severe shortages of water, electricity, and diesel due to destroyed crossings and restricted access.
Read more: Israeli attacks in Lebanon kill 886
International law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the United Nations human rights chief has criticized Israel’s widespread evacuation orders. Bridges over the Litani River remain destroyed, complicating movement and delivery of essential supplies in southern Lebanon.