The armed conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah in southern Lebanon has been going on for a month. There have been several statements from the Israeli side that Israeli forces may remain stationed in southern Lebanon in the long term, thereby occupying a tenth of Lebanese territory.
The plan has been launched and is already being rolled out. It could be a strategy to pressure the Lebanese government, a way to achieve concessions. But I think Israel is willing, at least for now, to negotiate on the matter, says Anders Persson.
Over a million displaced
Since Israel launched its ground offensive on March 2 this year, an estimated 1.2 million people have been displaced and over 1,300 people have been killed in Lebanon.
"There is enormous human suffering for all those who have been forced to leave their homes. We are seeing a massive refugee disaster that risks becoming permanent," says Anders Persson.
Israel says it wants to “maintain a security zone across the entire area up to the Litani,” referring to the river about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. If the plans are implemented, there is no guarantee that attacks on Israel will cease, according to Anders Persson.
If Israel remains in control for the foreseeable future, it will likely provoke guerrilla warfare, terrorist attacks, and the birth of new groups that fight Israel. Hezbollah was born under similar circumstances 40 years ago.
Demolition of houses “war crime”
On Tuesday, the Israeli government announced that all houses in villages near the Israeli border will be demolished. Israel accuses Hezbollah of, like Hamas, using civilian infrastructure to store weapons, host launch pads and hide explosives.
According to Stanford University law professor Tom Dannenbaum, the planned demolition is incompatible with the laws of war, as the demolition cannot be considered an "absolute military necessity."
"Unnecessary destruction of property should be classified as a war crime," he told Reuters news agency.
Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2, in retaliation for Israeli and US strikes on Iran on February 28. According to the Israeli military, 5,000 drones, rockets and missiles have been fired at Israel since the start of the conflict. At least ten Israeli soldiers have been killed in the conflict.
