BEIRUT – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned recent Israeli strikes targeting infrastructure in southern Lebanon, warning they represent a dangerous escalation and a potential prelude to a full-scale ground invasion. The escalating violence, focused on bridges and vital facilities, comes as Israel expands its military campaign against Hezbollah, signaling a prolonged operation with potentially devastating consequences for the region.
The latest strikes, particularly the bombing of the Qasmiyeh bridge over the Litani River, have drawn sharp criticism from Beirut. President Aoun’s statement, released by his office, described the attacks as a “flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.” The Litani River is a key transportation artery in southern Lebanon and damaging its crossings is widely seen as an attempt to hinder Hezbollah’s ability to move fighters and supplies. The situation is further complicated by increasing concerns for civilian populations, with over one million Lebanese already displaced by the three weeks of conflict, according to Lebanese authorities.
Israel’s military has confirmed its intention to intensify operations. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that the operation against Hezbollah “has only begun… Here’s a prolonged operation,” and that preparations are underway for “targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan.” Brigadier General Effie Defrin added that the expansion of the ground operation is expected within the coming week. This announcement follows an order from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to destroy bridges over the Litani River, aiming to disrupt Hezbollah’s logistical network. Footage released by RTE shows the moment the Qasmiyeh bridge was struck.
Escalation Follows Cross-Border Attacks
The current escalation began on March 2nd when Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks into Israel, reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior Iranian commander, in a joint Israeli-US operation. Since then, Israel has responded with extensive airstrikes and ground incursions into Lebanon, while Hezbollah has continued its rocket barrages targeting northern Israel. Recent attacks have included a rocket strike that killed one person in Israel – the first fatality attributed to Hezbollah fire in this latest round of conflict – and the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Israeli troops and vehicles in border areas like Taybeh and Khiam. Yesterday, the group reported clashing with Israeli forces in Khiam and the coastal town of Naqura, and as well claimed to have targeted an air defence system in Maalot-Tarshiha, lightly wounding three people, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11. The Israeli military, in turn, announced the killing of a Hezbollah commander from the Radwan Force, its elite unit.
Demolitions and Displacement Raise Humanitarian Concerns
The situation on the ground is rapidly deteriorating. Beyond the destruction of bridges, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to “accelerate the demolition of Lebanese houses in the contact villages” to counter perceived threats to Israeli communities. This directive has raised serious concerns about collective punishment and further displacement of civilians. Lebanon’s National News Agency has also reported strikes in the Bekaa Valley, expanding the geographic scope of the conflict.
The humanitarian impact is already significant. Lebanon’s health ministry reports four deaths from recent strikes in the south, adding to a total of 1,029 deaths in three weeks of conflict. More than one million people have been displaced, straining resources and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. In Israel, a person was killed after a rocket fired from Lebanon struck their vehicle in the Misgav Am kibbutz, according to Israel’s ZAKA 360 emergency response unit. Local firefighters reported flames engulfing two vehicles at the scene.
International Calls for De-escalation
The escalating violence has prompted international calls for de-escalation. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the developments as “deeply worrying,” emphasizing the need to protect UNIFIL personnel and preserve regional stability. “I call on all parties to step back, de-escalate, halt attacks and create the space for dialogue that can lead to lasting diplomatic solutions,” she said, adding that the world is at “a dangerous moment” due to the growing cycle of violence in the Middle East. A statement from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs details her concerns.
Israel has warned residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate, indicating a potential expansion of its military operations and a stated intention to create a buffer zone within Lebanese territory. The coming week will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can succeed in preventing a full-scale ground invasion and further escalating the conflict. The next significant development is expected to be the commencement of the expanded ground operation announced by the Israeli military.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they develop into available. If you or someone you know is affected by the conflict, resources are available to provide support. Please share this article to help raise awareness of the situation in Lebanon and Israel.
