Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on March 22, 2026, that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ordered the military to destroy all bridges over Lebanon's Litani River used by Hezbollah. The directive aims to block the group's ability to move fighters and weapons southward toward the Israel-Lebanon border, escalating cross-border hostilities.
Katz stated that ground operations in Lebanon are intensifying to 'neutralize threats,' including demolishing homes in frontline villages—a tactic previously employed in Gaza. Civilians north of the Litani River have been urged to evacuate as military activities expand. The 170-kilometer river, running parallel to the border, has historically served as a strategic boundary in conflicts with Hezbollah.
Tensions reignited on March 2, 2026, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, breaking a ceasefire established in November 2024. Israel responded with air strikes targeting southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and Beirut's southern suburbs. Analysts warn the bridge destruction order could further destabilize the region, impacting both security dynamics and civilian infrastructure.
