Satellite Images Reveal Extensive Destruction in Southern Lebanon Villages

Exclusive satellite imagery analysis reveals widespread destruction across southern Lebanon, particularly in villages near the Israel-Lebanon border. According to a study conducted by N12 using Planet Labs satellite data and GIS analysis by Adi Ben Nun from the Hebrew University, approximately 18,000 buildings were destroyed in 19 villages examined, representing 74% of all structures in those areas. A building was classified as destroyed if at least 30% of it was damaged.

The damage is most severe in villages closest to the border, with five villages, Marwahin, Mahbib, Maroun al-Ras, Blida, and Adeisseh, suffering near-total destruction of 99% or more of their buildings. In 18 of the 19 villages, over half the buildings were destroyed, and in 10 villages, the destruction exceeded 80%. The destruction is linked primarily to the current round of fighting between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah, although some damage dates back to the 2024 conflict.

Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz stated that 24 Lebanese villages, described as longstanding Hezbollah strongholds threatening Israeli border communities, were systematically destroyed, totaling between 15,000 and 20,000 homes. The satellite images provide visual confirmation of this extensive damage, highlighting the scale of the military operations in southern Lebanon.

The analysis underscores the strategic targeting of villages near the border and the significant impact on civilian infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Further monitoring of the region is expected as tensions persist.