Israel confirms plan for security zone in southern Lebanon

Israel plans to establish a security zone in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River following the operation against Hezbollah and to retain control of the territory, Defence Minister Israel Katz has said.

‘At the end of the operation, the Israeli army will control the territory up to the Litani River, including the remaining bridges, eliminating Radwan forces in the area and destroying all weapons,’ Katz said, describing the move as the creation of a security zone.

The Radwan forces are an elite unit within Hezbollah.

According to the minister, more than 600,000 Lebanese who have moved north will not be permitted to return south of the Litani River until the safety of residents in northern Israel is assured.

Houses in border villages in southern Lebanon are to be demolished – following the model of operations in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip – in order to remove threats at the Israeli border permanently, he added.

(reuters, bak)