Netanyahu Declares Permanent Occupation of Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Collapse

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the occupation of Southern Lebanon permanent on June 6, 2026, citing the need for security zones. This escalation followed the seizure of Beaufort Castle and the crossing of the Litani River, displacing approximately one million Lebanese civilians and killing over 3,500 people since March. Simultaneously, Netanyahu announced that Israel controls over 60% of the Gaza Strip, with a goal to reach 70% control.

The military surge occurred despite a ceasefire agreed upon in Washington on June 2, which required Hezbollah to withdraw south of the Litani River. Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected the terms, demanding a comprehensive ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. In response, Hezbollah launched surface-to-air missiles at Israeli aircraft on June 6, while Israeli forces conducted airstrikes that killed civilians and three members of the Lebanese military.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the violence and criticized Iran for using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed these claims, asserting that Lebanon was not a pawn. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalation during a call with Netanyahu, even as the U.S. continued strikes on Iranian radar sites and maintained a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.