Israel's defense minister announced plans to maintain military control south of the Litani River in Lebanon, signaling a potential long-term occupation. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group, has been targeted in a ground offensive and airstrikes, with 1,000+ civilian deaths reported in Beirut alone. Israeli military outposts near the border and bridge bombings have disrupted civilian access to medical care, mirroring tactics used in Gaza’s Rafah. Bezalel Smotrich, a hardline Israeli official, called for the Litani River to become Israel’s new border, aiming to redraw territorial lines permanently. The operation follows Hezbollah’s rocket attacks after Israel’s strike on Iran, escalating a regional war that threatens Lebanon’s stability. Evacuated residents remain displaced, awaiting security assurances before returning.