IDF Expands Ground Assault in Southern Lebanon, Raising Fears of Prolonged Occupation
Israel's defense minister warns displaced Lebanese won't be allowed home until border security is guaranteed, sparking concerns of a prolonged military presence.
Israel's announcement of a ground campaign expansion in southern Lebanon is fueling fears of a prolonged occupation among hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens. Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has drawn comparisons to the situation in Gaza, warning that displaced Lebanese forced from their homes will not be allowed to return until the safety of Israelis near the border is guaranteed.
Katz's remarks suggest the presence of Israeli troops could become prolonged, as the military seeks to destroy 'terror infrastructure' in the region. This escalation in military operations has raised concerns among the Lebanese population, many of whom have already been displaced and are fearful of a protracted occupation.
The ground campaign expansion follows Israeli airstrikes that have already devastated many southern Lebanese villages, turning them into
Source: The Guardian
