Lebanon condemns Israel’s systematic destruction in the south

Thursday 13 August 2026 - 11:00

By: Sahili Aya

Lebanon condemns Israel’s systematic destruction in the south

Lebanon has sharply criticized Israel’s military activity in the country’s south, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accusing Israeli forces of carrying out systematic destruction of homes, infrastructure and public buildings in areas under their control.

Salam said the demolitions and incursions represented a serious breach of international law, while Israel has defended its continued military presence as necessary to protect communities in northern Israel.

The dispute comes as Israeli forces maintain what they describe as a security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers along the Lebanese border.

Beirut denounces destruction and displacement

In a statement issued Wednesday, Salam condemned what he described as a campaign involving attacks, incursions and the destruction of residential properties, government facilities and religious sites.

The Lebanese prime minister rejected the argument that towns and villages in the area could be classified entirely as military infrastructure.

According to Salam, such a characterization cannot justify the destruction of civilian property or actions that prevent residents from returning to their communities.

His remarks reflect the continuing political and humanitarian consequences of the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. More than one million people were displaced during the fighting, with the majority coming from southern Lebanon.

Although many residents have since returned, a significant number have been unable to go back to their homes because of the damage caused by the conflict.

Israel vows to keep troops in the area

Israel has maintained that its military deployment in southern Lebanon is intended to protect communities in northern Israel and prevent armed groups from rebuilding infrastructure near the border.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the area on Wednesday and reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in the designated security zones.

Katz said the military was destroying underground infrastructure belonging to armed groups and claimed that homes in the area were also being demolished.

He further indicated that Israel did not intend to withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria or Gaza.

The statements have heightened concerns in Beirut over the prospect of a prolonged Israeli military presence on Lebanese territory.

Washington warns against a permanent military presence

The United States has also addressed the dispute, emphasizing the commitments made under an existing framework between the parties.

A U.S. State Department official told AFP that Washington expected all sides to respect the framework they had accepted. The official also pointed to Israel’s stated position that it had no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.

However, the official argued that a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon would be inconsistent with the commitments contained in the framework and could undermine the long-term security and stability of both countries.

The competing positions highlight the fragile nature of the security arrangements along the border.

A fragile balance in southern Lebanon

For Lebanon, the immediate issue is the condition of communities already devastated by repeated conflict and displacement. For Israel, the priority remains preventing attacks and the re-establishment of armed infrastructure close to its northern border.

The disagreement over the security zone therefore extends beyond the destruction of individual properties. It raises a broader question about the future status of southern Lebanon, the return of displaced civilians and the military arrangements intended to prevent another escalation.

As Beirut presses its objections and Israel insists on maintaining its security measures, the future of the border region remains closely tied to whether existing commitments can translate into a lasting reduction in military confrontation.