Defense Minister Katz: IDF to maintain permanent control of south Lebanon to Litani River, destroy Lebanese villages

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined more explicit plans on Tuesday for the permanent displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people and the destruction of Lebanese villages along Israel's northern border, per NYT. Katz said the Israeli military would 'maintain control over all of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River,' which is about 20 miles from the Israeli border at its farthest point. Israeli forces have already taken control of more territory in southern Lebanon in ongoing battles against Hezbollah. The Katz statement goes significantly further than the earlier D32 evacuation order — which asked civilians to leave a 25-mile zone — and signals Israeli intent to permanently hold and reshape the terrain rather than conduct a temporary incursion. Destroying Lebanese villages in a security zone is consistent with the IDF's stated goal of preventing future Hezbollah rocket launches from south Lebanese communities. This announcement is expected to draw further condemnation from France, Italy, Indonesia and other UNIFIL contributors who have already demanded emergency UNSC sessions.