Israel Katz Orders “Gaza Model” in Lebanon; Bridges to Be Destroyed

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered the military to destroy bridges over the Litani River and accelerate the demolition of homes in southern Lebanon, outlining an approach similar to operations carried out in Gaza.

Katz said the Israeli military had been instructed to “immediately destroy all the bridges over the Litani River that are used for terrorist activity” to prevent the movement of Hezbollah fighters and weapons toward southern Lebanon. He added that forces were also directed to intensify the destruction of houses in border villages to “thwart threats to the Israeli settlements,” describing the approach as aligned with the Beit Hanoun and Rafah model used in Gaza.

“The IDF continues with full force in the ground maneuver in Lebanon in order to eliminate Hezbollah terrorists,” Katz said, adding that Israel aims to secure key positions and prevent a return to “the reality of before October 7th.”

International law generally restricts attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the United Nations human rights chief has criticized Israel’s actions in Lebanon, including the use of widespread evacuation orders.

The announcement comes amid ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated after the Iran-backed group launched rockets and drones at Israel following unprovoked U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Hours after Katz’s statement, Israeli forces bombed a bridge near Qasmiye, close to the coastal city of Tyre. Israeli forces had previously destroyed bridges over the Litani River on March 13 and March 18, stating they were used by Hezbollah.

Katz also said the military would expand the demolition of homes in “frontline villages,” reflecting tactics used in Gaza, where large areas were cleared to establish buffer zones. Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the campaign in Lebanon had “only just begun,” indicating preparations for a deeper ground offensive.

The escalation has raised concerns about a potential expansion of a military-controlled buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Many Lebanese fear the operation could lead to a renewed Israeli presence in areas it controlled until 2000.

According to the Lebanese government, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced since the fighting intensified. Israeli authorities have issued warnings to residents in parts of southern Lebanon to evacuate or face risks during the ongoing military operations.