Israel continues large-scale demolition and evacuation operations across villages in southern Lebanon months after the war first erupted in October 2023, with destruction intensifying even after multiple ceasefire agreements.

Since fighting resumed in March 2026 before another ceasefire took effect in April, the Israeli army has expanded operations along the border region. Bulldozers and engineering teams have flattened homes, neighborhoods, and entire villages, while roads and infrastructure have also been heavily damaged.

Israeli officials have openly linked the campaign to plans for establishing a long-term “security zone” inside Lebanese territory. According to statements reported by Israeli media, villages near the border are being dismantled because they are viewed as Hezbollah infrastructure.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz previously said Israel aims to establish a buffer zone extending toward the Litani River, similar to security belts created in parts of Gaza through widespread demolition near border areas. He also stated that displaced Lebanese residents would not be allowed to return until security for northern Israel is guaranteed.

Dozens of towns across southern Lebanon have suffered widespread destruction affecting homes, schools, hospitals, shops, places of worship, and public infrastructure. In many villages, demolition work has continued even after airstrikes ended, with bulldozers clearing rubble and flattening remaining structures.

Israel has also targeted bridges and major roads linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, including key crossings over the Litani River, further isolating the region and complicating civilian movement and aid access.

Israeli officials have described the continued destruction and evacuation of villages as part of broader pressure on Hezbollah, while also signaling an expansion of Israeli military freedom of movement inside southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire.

As demolition operations and evacuation orders continue to expand, entire border villages have been transformed into devastated and nearly empty areas, reflecting a broader effort to reshape the border region and impose a new reality that could remain long after the war ends.