Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to accelerate preparations for potential operations in southern Lebanon, including the demolition of structures in border villages. The move comes amid escalating tensions and warnings from Israel regarding Hezbollah’s continued attacks.
According to reports, Katz has instructed the military to carry out demolitions “of a similar magnitude to those in Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” two cities in Gaza that sustained widespread destruction during the recent conflict.
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Israel also destroyed the Qasmiyeh bridge in southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, stating it signaled potential plans for establishing a buffer zone and launching a ground invasion. “Israel’s attacks on Lebanon’s infrastructure are a prelude to a ground invasion,” Aoun said, according to a presidential statement.
The developments underscore growing regional instability and raise concerns about a potential wider conflict. Israel Katz also issued a warning to President Joseph Aoun, urging the Lebanese government to take action against Hezbollah or face broader Israeli action, as reported by LBCGroup. Katz asserted that Lebanon had failed to implement agreements aimed at disarming Hezbollah.
Further escalating the rhetoric, Katz threatened that Israel would “take the territory and do it ourselves” if Lebanon does not halt Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks, according to The Times of Israel. He also indicated that the Israel Defense Forces were preparing to expand operations in Lebanon to restore calm to northern communities. This announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and efforts to de-escalate the situation.
The recent escalation follows a barrage of approximately 200 rockets and 20 drones launched by Hezbollah into Israel on Wednesday, marking the group’s most significant attack since the start of hostilities. The majority of the rockets were intercepted, though some caused minor damage and injuries.
President Aoun’s condemnation of the infrastructure strikes aligns with concerns that Israel is preparing for a more extensive military response in Lebanon, as reported by Aawsat. The situation remains fluid and is being closely monitored by international observers.
