Katz: Israel will take control of southern Lebanon up to Litani.. UN: “Last thing we want to see”
Katz announces control of southern Lebanon to the Litani.. river 30 km from the border.. and the UN: “Very concerning”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli military will take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, in the first statement revealing Tel Aviv’s intention to take control of areas of Lebanese territory.
During a meeting with the Chief of Staff, Katz said the army “will take control of the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani River.” The river’s mouth is located about 30 kilometers north of the border.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric described the Israeli statements as “very concerning,” adding: “This is the last thing we want to see. This is the last thing the Lebanese people in the south want to see.”
Since March 13, the Israeli military has destroyed five bridges over the Litani River and intensified house demolitions in villages near the border. International law generally prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes and bridges.
The Israeli army is carrying out its threat to destroy all bridges connecting south and north of the Litani, as announced by the Israeli defense minister today.
The goal is to prevent residents from returning to their villages, and to isolate the south for the Israeli ground operation that has already begun over a week ago. pic.twitter.com/BsgTLvQfcr— le prince cherchali tipazi (@Prince4295) March 22, 2026
March 22:
Israeli directive to destroy Litani bridges
