NYT: Israel speeds up home demolitions in Lebanon, creates controlled zone near border
Israeli military ordered to speed up demolitions of houses in Lebanese cities – NYT.
The corresponding order was given by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Near the border, Israel is creating a military-controlled buffer zone inside Lebanon, which many Lebanese fear could lead to a resumption of its de facto occupation of the south of the country.
In his statement, Katz said he had ordered the demolitions “on the model of Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” two towns in Gaza that were largely destroyed by Israeli forces.
Israel's defense minister also ordered the immediate destruction of several more bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, which he claims will prevent the transfer of Hezbollah fighters.
