Lebanese Protest Israeli Attempts to Seize Strategic Town Al-Mansouri Near Tyre
On April 26, 2026, residents of the Shiite town Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon held a protest near a Lebanese army checkpoint against what they described as Israel's policy of displacement and destruction. They urged Lebanese authorities to act urgently to ensure their return to the town amid fears of an Israeli plan to capture Al-Mansouri, especially given increased Israeli military activity in the area.
Following a ceasefire and Lebanon's signing of a framework agreement with Israel last June, over 120 families have returned to Al-Mansouri despite ongoing security risks and poor living conditions, including lack of electricity, water, and damaged infrastructure. The residents expressed a preference to remain on their land rather than live in displacement centers.
Haider Madikhli, head of the Al-Mansouri council, told the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have exerted significant control over the town through shelling since issuing warnings. He noted the town remains largely empty of residents and security forces despite calls for return and demands from a monitoring committee to halt attacks. Madikhli added that Israeli strikes frequently target workers, farmers, and residents to intimidate them into leaving.
A senior Lebanese army commander told the same newspaper that Israel has attempted more than 11 times during the recent conflict to seize Al-Mansouri but failed due to fierce Hezbollah resistance. He highlighted the town's strategic location about 100 meters above sea level, overlooking key valleys that serve as logistical routes for Hezbollah, which Israel aims to disrupt.
The IDF reportedly dropped leaflets over Al-Mansouri warning residents, underscoring the heightened tensions and Israel's focus on controlling this pivotal town in southern Lebanon.
