Israeli officers say Lebanon mission focused on 'systematic destruction' of buildings
Submitted by
Mera Aladam
on
Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:19
Troops tell Haaretz the only task is the destruction of everything in predominantly Shia villages
An Israeli soldier walks near a military vehicle, on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon boundary, 26 April 2026 (Shir Torem/Reuters)
Off
The Israeli army's mission in southern Lebanon is now focused on the “systematic destruction” of buildings rather than combat, officers have told Haaretz.
According to the report on Wednesday, the military is operating under a plan to demolish predominantly Shia villages in an effort they believe would prevent residents from returning.
As part of the campaign, troops are assigned designated zones to demolish, with commanders required to record the number of structures destroyed each day.
“The only mission is to continue the destruction,” one commander told Haaretz. “There are no other tasks.”
Another officer disputed Israeli military claims that operations are aimed at destroying “terrorist infrastructure”, saying: “These are not terrorist infrastructures - everything is being destroyed.”
However, a separate officer said there is no blanket order to demolish all structures, insisting the focus is on underground networks, weapons, and surveillance and communications systems.
“We are operating pragmatically, according to operational need,” he said.
According to Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research, around 40,000 housing units have been partially or completely destroyed since the beginning of March. On some days, more than 1,000 homes have been damaged or flattened, with entire neighbourhoods bombed.
Drone footage posted online has shown entire villages in southern Lebanon rigged and destroyed in controlled explosions by the military.
Private contractors
Several soldiers told Haaretz that demolitions are being carried out by private contractors, who are paid according to the scale of destruction.
“The companies profit based on the number of houses [destroyed],” one soldier said. “And we’re there to provide security, at risk to our lives.”
Israelis blow up house in southern Lebanon 'in memory' of slain soldier
Read More »
Another said there is “no logic” behind the missions, as soldiers face increased exposure to Hezbollah drone attacks while securing demolitions.
“We stand exposed, guarding demolitions while drones are in the air,” he said.
Since 2 March, Israeli forces have killed at least 2,290 people in Lebanon, including 100 rescue workers and healthcare personnel, and wounded 7,544, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Around 1.2 million people have been displaced nationwide.
Although a truce was announced by the US in mid-April, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have continued, prompting renewed fighting with Hezbollah.
Israeli forces also remain stationed up to around 10km inside Lebanese territory, with continued reports of strikes on civilians and ongoing demolitions.
Israel's war on Lebanon
News
Post Date Override
0
Update Date
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19
Update Date Override
0