Systematic demolitions in south Lebanon: Nighttime explosions reported, 'dozens of excavators' at work

BEIRUT — On the third day of a ten-day cease-fire in Lebanon, following a month and a half of war between Hezbollah and Israel, the Israeli army continues its operations in southern Lebanon after establishing a “yellow line” of demarcation in the area.

Explosions were heard overnight in both the eastern and western sectors, according to our correspondent, where Israel is carrying out systematic demolitions. On Saturday, blasts were reported in around ten villages. In the western sector, homes and infrastructure were destroyed with explosives in Shamaa, Bayyada, and Naqoura; in the central sector in Aita al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil, Hanine, and Rshaf; and in the eastern sector in Khiam, Markaba, Deir Siryane, and Qantara.

Within this context, Israeli commanders told the Israeli daily Haaretz that civilian homes, public buildings, and schools are being demolished as part of a broader policy aimed at “clearing the area.” According to these commanders, dozens of heavy machines, including excavators operated by paid subcontractors, have been deployed in the region in recent weeks. Some workers are reportedly paid based on the number of structures they destroy.

A source familiar with the matter said that some of these contractors have previously carried out similar operations in Gaza, and that in one village, around twenty excavators are currently operating simultaneously. According to these sources, the policy is based on the “widespread destruction” of civilian infrastructure and is “inspired by methods used in the Gaza Strip, now being applied in Lebanon.”

Meanwhile, this morning, Israeli drones are flying at low altitude over Nabatieh and its region, north of the Litani, as well as over the Bekaa, while an artillery strike was reported by our correspondent's sources in Kounin, a village north of Bint Jbeil that has been repeatedly hit since the cease-fire came into effect.