Israel Rejects Lebanon Withdrawal, Presses on With Destruction in South

Israel has adopted a hardline stance, rejecting Lebanese calls for a withdrawal and asserting its intent to remain within a self-declared "security zone" that encompasses approximately 700 square kilometers of southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz bluntly articulated the policy: "We destroy there and build here," drawing a stark contrast between Lebanon and Israel.

This firm position presents a significant obstacle to ongoing US-led mediation efforts. The mediation aims to achieve an Israeli withdrawal and ensure that all weaponry across Lebanese territory falls exclusively under the control of the Lebanese state. US General Joseph Clearfield, head of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon, is currently in Tel Aviv to discuss Lebanese proposals for inspection mechanisms and expansion plans for designated pilot zones.

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We destroy there and build here

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have been discussing the escalating situation in the south, particularly the ongoing Israeli attacks and the widespread destruction of homes and property. They also reviewed General Clearfield's visit and agenda items for an upcoming cabinet meeting, according to the Lebanese presidency.

Sources in southern Lebanon have described a "three-pronged destruction plan" being executed by Israel. This campaign involves bulldozing homes and civilian structures, burning remaining buildings, and demolishing tunnels and other civilian facilities. Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that observers in the occupied area witness "the destruction of all urban infrastructure and the obliteration of the manifestations of life." Israel is reportedly also constructing military positions and erecting mounds over the ruins of villages, with explosions intensifying and military deployments increasing along the border towns.

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Attempts to justify the razing and destruction on the grounds that military facilities are being targeted are contradicted by the nature of what is actually being struck on the ground. Lebanon’s sovereignty, the security of its people and the right of southerners to return to their land and rebuild their villages are not matters open to compromise.