What Happened
BBC Verify's analysis of satellite images shows extensive damage in southern Lebanon, with over 1,400 buildings confirmed destroyed since March 2nd. However, this figure is likely a significant underestimation due to limited access to the region and the availability of satellite imagery. The true extent of the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes and demolitions against Lebanon is still being determined.
These actions by Israel follow Defense Minister Israel Katz's directive on March 22nd to escalate the destruction of Lebanese homes near the Israeli border, mirroring tactics used in Gaza against Hamas. This order was given as part of Israel’s broader campaign against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed armed group operating in the region. The situation has been drastically altered since the beginning of March. It is causing major upsets and has altered the landscape, both literally and figuratively.
Prior to the recent escalation, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel on March 2nd, as retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader, an event that took place at the beginning of the Israel-US war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with a series of strikes across Lebanon, targeting what it claimed was Hezbollah infrastructure. A ground invasion of southern Lebanon then commenced, exacerbating the destruction. An initial evacuation order, issued on March 2nd, directed Lebanese civilians near the border to leave the civilian areas, and was expanded later to include areas further away from the conflict.
Why It Matters
International law experts are concerned the systematic demolition of towns and villages in southern Lebanon by the IDF may constitute a war crime. Such actions, if proven to be in violation of international law, could lead to legal repercussions for those responsible. The IDF maintains that it operates in compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict and asserts that property destruction only occurs when there is imperative military necessity. However, evidence supporting these claims is limited.
The IDF also alleges that Hezbollah has embedded military infrastructure within civilian areas, without providing specific details. This claim raises concerns regarding the potential for civilian casualties and the justification for targeting civilian infrastructure. The conflict has resulted in massive displacement, with over 1.2 million people displaced across Lebanon. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 820,000 of those are from the south, forcing many to flee north or into Syria. The Lebanese Ministry of Health suggests the conflict has caused over 2,000 individuals to lose their lives. Israeli authorities have reported 13 soldiers and two civilians killed by Hezbollah over the past six weeks.
What Comes Next
The ongoing conflict and the widespread destruction are exacerbating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. With over a million people displaced and thousands killed, the need for humanitarian assistance is critical. Details are still emerging about the types of assistance and level of aid that are being provided and what governments/organizations are helping.
The continued escalation of the conflict risks further destabilizing the region, fueling further displacement and increasing the likelihood of wider international involvement. Whether diplomatic efforts can successfully de-escalate the situation and prevent further destruction remains uncertain. The investigation into potential war crimes will likely continue, impacting the relationship between Israel and Lebanon for years to come. Details are still emerging.
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