Over 1,400 buildings destroyed by Israel in southern Lebanon – Report

Towns and villages in southern Lebanon are being extensively destroyed by Israeli operations, according to an analysis by BBC Verify.

The broadcaster said its examination of satellite imagery and verified videos indicates that more than 1,400 buildings have been destroyed since March 2. The findings, it noted, represent only a partial picture because access to affected areas remains limited and satellite coverage is incomplete. The overall scale of damage is likely to be significantly higher.

The report links the demolitions to remarks by Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, who on March 22 called for an acceleration in the destruction of homes near the Israeli border, citing a strategy similar to operations in Gaza Strip, as part of efforts against Hezbollah.

Legal experts told BBC Verify that the pattern of destruction could constitute a war crime under international law, depending on the circumstances.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces said its actions comply with the Law of Armed Conflict and that property is not destroyed without imperative military necessity. It also alleged that Hezbollah operates military infrastructure within civilian areas, though it did not provide evidence.