Israeli Defense Minister: we will destroy all homes in Lebanese villages near border

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated today that Israel will destroy all homes in Lebanese villages near the border and affirmed that approximately 600,000 displaced people will not be permitted to return to their homes until the security of northern Israel is guaranteed. He pledged to inflict destruction on the area similar to what occurred in the Gaza Strip.

Katz reiterated Israel's plans to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, stating that it will maintain control over an area extending to the Litani River after the end of the war with Hezbollah.

Katz stated, "At the end of the operation, the IDF will establish a security zone inside Lebanon, a defensive line against anti-tank missiles, and will maintain security control over the entire area up to the Litani River, including the remaining Litani bridges."

He added that Israeli forces will eliminate the Radwan Force, Hezbollah's elite unit, who infiltrated southern Israel, and will destroy all their weapons. He noted that displaced residents will not be allowed to return to southern Lebanon "until the safety and security of the residents of northern Israel is guaranteed."

He continued, "All homes in villages near the border inside Lebanon will be demolished, similar to what happened in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza, in order to permanently remove the threats facing the residents of northern Israel near the border."