Israel Establishes 9 Bases in Southern Lebanon as Occupied Strip Reaches 5% of Territory
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 2
Israel Establishes 9 Bases in Southern Lebanon as Occupied Strip Reaches 5% of Territory
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 2
Summary
Four new Israeli bases have been built in southern Lebanon, bringing the total to nine, according to Unifil, as Israel deepens a presence that now extends up to 10km from the border.
Israeli officials say the expansion is meant to create a security zone shielding northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets, drones and possible cross-border raids; Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered preparations for a long-term presence.
Unifil said it has seen fortified positions, engineering works and apparent Israeli civilian personnel supporting demolitions, while BBC reporting from the area found flattened villages, occupied homes and restricted access for civilians.
A Lebanese intelligence official said the army has logged more than 5,000 Israeli ceasefire violations since June, even though Hezbollah has not attacked Israel since the truce took effect outside clashes with Israeli troops inside Lebanon.
Withdrawal talks tied to Hezbollah's disarmament have stalled, leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese uncertain about returning and raising fears Israel is entrenching itself in a Gaza-like occupation.