Israel Katz Orders Escalated Destruction of Hezbollah Infrastructure in Lebanon

Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to accelerate and escalate the destruction of Hezbollah's strategic infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The operation targets a network of fortified Shiite villages developed over two decades with Iranian funding, featuring underground weapons depots, command centers, and shelters often located beneath civilian homes. Katz stated that some southernmost villages will have to "disappear."

To execute these demolitions, the IDF is utilizing heavy artillery and incendiary white phosphorus munitions. The military is also establishing new access routes to improve troop security and resupply logistics. While some non-Shiite villages like Kfar Chouba remain, the IDF has threatened residents with expulsion and destruction if any are found armed. Simultaneously, the IDF is attacking the Ali Taher Ridge to secure a vantage point overlooking the Nabatieh District, the northernmost area Israel intends to occupy.

Israeli security officials claim the Lebanese Armed Forces failed to meet engineering objectives established under U.S.-brokered understandings, alleging the Lebanese military avoids destroying the infrastructure due to fear of Hezbollah. The IDF maintains these operations are necessary to prevent guerrilla warfare and degrade Hezbollah's ability to launch attacks into the Galilee region. This escalation follows a previous directive for the IDF to prepare for a long-term stay in the occupied region.