Beirut, Lebanon – Many residents of southern Lebanon have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing military actions and territorial disputes. Ali, a resident from Khiam, has relocated to Hasbaiyya, citing the dire situation for southerners. He described the circumstances as stemming from flawed politics.
Despite a framework agreement signed in June between Lebanon and Israel aimed at securing Israel's phased withdrawal, Israel continues to occupy significant portions of southern Lebanon, demolishing homes and infrastructure in various villages. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has indicated that troops will not withdraw, suggesting a prolonged occupation similar to a previous 22-year presence.
On March 2, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, marking its first attack in over a year, claiming it was in response to Israeli violations of a ceasefire and the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Israel intensified its military operations in Lebanon, displacing over 1.2 million people.
Negotiations between Beirut and the Israeli government have continued, despite Hezbollah's objections. The framework agreement includes the establishment of “pilot zones” for Israeli withdrawal, to be replaced by the Lebanese Armed Forces, which would disarm Hezbollah in those areas.
Israel currently occupies a zone extending 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into southern Lebanon, marked by a “Yellow Line.” This line is associated with ongoing demolitions of homes. Mohamad Bazzi, a political analyst, noted that Israel appears to be applying a model similar to its actions in Gaza, aiming to depopulate and render villages uninhabitable.
Approximately 50 villages have been destroyed, with Bazzi stating that the goal is to make it extremely difficult for residents to return. Ahmad Baydoun, an architect, remarked that the ceasefire seems to apply only to areas outside the Yellow Line.
Some residents have returned to devastated villages, including Froun, which was included in the pilot zone program despite significant destruction. The Blue Line, established in 2000, marks the boundary following Israel's previous withdrawal, and discussions are ongoing about creating a “Grey Line” that could extend further into Lebanese territory, effectively serving as a buffer zone.
Bazzi commented that the various lines serve to confuse and obscure Israel's actions in Lebanon. He emphasized that the occupation has led to significant destruction and displacement, with many areas remaining uninhabitable.
Within the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line, some villages remain inhabited, primarily by Christian and Sunni populations, while Shia residents face restrictions and threats. Baydoun described the situation as a form of control that allows for governance without complete depopulation.
Analysts suggest that the occupation may continue for the foreseeable future, with the Lebanese government planning to provide prefabricated homes, although infrastructure remains severely damaged. The prospect of returning to many frontline towns appears bleak, with significant rebuilding required.
The ongoing military occupation continues to affect the lives of many southerners, as they are forced to live elsewhere while their homes lie in ruins. Ali, the displaced resident from Khiam, expressed despair over the destruction, stating that the area is uninhabitable for many years.