Israel orders destruction of Litani River Bridges, intensifies Lebanon offensive, demolitions

International, Middle East

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Israeli President Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have directed the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to immediately destroy all bridges over the Litani River, citing their use for terrorist activity and the movement of Hezbollah fighters and weapons southward. The leadership also ordered the acceleration of demolitions in Lebanese border villages, modeled after operations in Beit Hanoun and Rafah in Gaza, to thwart threats to Israeli settlements.

According to a statement by President Katz on Sunday, the IDF is pressing forward “with full force” in its ground manoeuvre in Lebanon, aiming to eliminate Hezbollah positions, reach anti-tank lines, and secure controlling points to protect northern communities. Katz vowed: “Israel is determined not to allow the reality of before October 7th to return. We promised to protect the residents of the north — and that is exactly what we will do.”

The escalation comes as Israel reels from heavy Iranian missile attacks on the nuclear-site town of Dimona, which left many civilians injured and infrastructure damaged. The war with Iran has now entered its twentieth day, showing no sign of abating.