Israel will occupy southern Lebanon, announced the Minister of Defense: IDF will control the area up to the Litani River.

The Israeli army will occupy southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River, to ensure national security, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday. This is the first time Israel has clearly expressed its intention to occupy portions of territory that represent almost a tenth of Lebanon, reports Reuters and AFP.

He mentioned the destruction of bridges used by Hezbollah and control over other strategic routes.

"The five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah to transport terrorists and weapons have been destroyed, and (the army) will control the other bridges and the security area up to the Litani," he added.

Katz previously threatened the Lebanese government that it would lose territory if it did not disarm Hezbollah, the militant group supported by Tehran, which has drawn Lebanon into the war between the US and Israel against Iran, when it fired on Israel on March 2.

The evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents from southern Lebanon is a temporary measure until safety in the region is ensured.

Statements from Israeli officials suggest an intention to change borders, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stating that the new border should be the Litani River.

This situation has generated concerns in Lebanon, which has a history of invasions and occupations.

Israeli bombings have led to significant loss of life and the displacement of over a million people. In the context of these tensions, the Lebanese government is seeking diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.