Israel Threatens Expanded Lebanon Operation, Mass Displacement
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to expand military operations and seize more territory in southern Lebanon if Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack. He announced plans to evacuate areas north to the Awali and Zahrani rivers, potentially displacing over a million Lebanese, and target infrastructure in Beirut's southern suburbs. Katz made the remarks during a visit to southern Lebanon, emphasizing Israel's continued military presence in designated security zones.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to expand military operations in southern Lebanon.
- Katz stated that areas up to the Litani River could become a permanent Israeli security zone.
- Israel plans to evacuate areas north to the Awali and Zahrani rivers to target infrastructure.
- The minister warned that over one million Lebanese could be displaced by potential attacks.
- Katz linked expanded operations to Hezbollah's potential involvement in an Iranian attack on Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to expand military operations in southern Lebanon and seize additional territory if Hezbollah joins any Iranian attack on Israel. He stated that Hezbollah would face a "wide-ranging military response." Katz indicated that areas from Nabatieh up to the Litani River could become part of a permanent Israeli "security zone," and that the Israeli military is preparing for a potential ground incursion.
As part of the escalation, Katz announced Israel's intention to evacuate residents from areas extending north to the Awali and Zahrani rivers. This move is intended to target what he described as "terrorist" infrastructure and to counter the threat of drones to northern Israeli towns. Katz also addressed the southern suburbs of Beirut, stating that residents would be asked to evacuate and that the infrastructure there would be targeted, potentially leading to the displacement of over one million Lebanese.
Katz also raised the possibility of targeting Hezbollah Secretary-General Naaim Qassem, recalling the assassination of former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. These statements were made during a visit to southern Lebanon, accompanied by the commander of the Israeli military's Northern Command and other senior officers. During the visit, Katz received a briefing on military operations and ongoing ceasefire violations, despite a framework agreement with Beirut.
Katz affirmed Israel's continued military presence in areas it designates as "security zones." He linked any change in the scope of control in southern Lebanon to Hezbollah's decision to participate in an Iranian attack on Israel.
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