Israeli Forces Destroy Nearly 18,000 Homes in South Lebanon, Hitting American-Owned Properties
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 6
Israeli Forces Destroy Nearly 18,000 Homes in South Lebanon, Hitting American-Owned Properties
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 6
Summary
Several American citizens told CNN their family homes in southern Lebanon were destroyed by Israeli strikes or demolitions, including a Burj Rahal compound hit on May 9 and a Hasbaya business struck twice.
Nearly 18,000 homes have been destroyed since fighting resumed in March, according to a June UNDP assessment, even though a nominal ceasefire took effect in April.
Israel says it is removing Hezbollah threats, but residents, satellite imagery and videos cited by CNN describe systematic razing of homes and civilian buildings inside a six-mile occupied strip behind Israel’s “yellow line.”
The destruction has displaced residents from dozens of villages, with some Lebanese Americans tracking vanished homes by satellite because Israeli-held border towns are off-limits to Lebanese civilians.
About 180 families are backing a planned U.S. civil lawsuit seeking compensation and a halt to U.S. aid for Israeli military units involved in the demolitions.