Israel flattens southern Lebanon towns and villages in offensive against Hezbollah
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 3
Israel flattens southern Lebanon towns and villages in offensive against Hezbollah
9 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 3
Satellite analysis found at least two dozen border communities, including Bint Jbeil, razed since early March, with more than 2,600 killed in Lebanon and over one million displaced.
Israel says it is creating a several-mile buffer zone and targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, but rights groups say destruction of schools, hospitals, mosques and other civilian sites could amount to war crimes.
The campaign has continued despite a US-mediated ceasefire extended to mid-May, echoing Gaza tactics and deepening damage from the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, with many displaced residents still unable to return.
How will the mass destruction and buffer zone strategy impact Lebanon’s civilian population and prospects for long-term peace?
Could Israel's 'Gaza Model' in southern Lebanon permanently reshape the region’s borders and trigger wider conflict over resources like the Qana gas field?
Over 1 Million Displaced: The 2026 Israel-Hezbollah Conflict and Lebanon’s Humanitarian Catastrophe
Overview
The 2026 conflict in Lebanon escalated rapidly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, prompting Hezbollah to launch missile and drone attacks on Israel. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion aimed at creating a depopulated buffer zone in southern Lebanon. This strategy caused massive casualties and displaced over one million Lebanese civilians, devastating critical infrastructure and overwhelming humanitarian aid efforts. Despite a ceasefire brokered in April, violence persisted as Hezbollah continued attacks, rejecting negotiations. Lebanon’s weak governance and Hezbollah’s resilience have led to a dangerous stalemate, risking further regional spillover and the potential collapse of the Lebanese state.