Israel expanding presence in Lebanon, officials say, as BBC visits occupied areas

Israel is increasing its military presence in southern Lebanon, according to officials, as the BBC visited areas under Israeli control. The region has been hit by Israeli air strikes and battles, leaving many buildings destroyed and crops abandoned. Lebanese military checkpoints remain, but the road is empty, indicating the start of occupied territory. This area is predominantly inhabited by Shia Muslims who support Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia and political party.

The Israeli military has established four new bases in these invaded areas, bringing the total to nine. They have also constructed protective infrastructure and engaged in demolition and engineering activities. Human rights groups claim these actions constitute the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, potentially a war crime.

Lebanon's military has recorded over 5,000 violations of a US-Iranian ceasefire in Lebanon, including Israeli air strikes, drone attacks, shelling, and frequent soldier incursions beyond the occupied area, known as the Yellow Line.

Despite Lebanon's military reporting the ceasefire violations, the Israeli military maintains it operates in accordance with international law, stating destroyed buildings were used by Hezbollah for military purposes. Hezbollah has not attacked Israel since the ceasefire began, but has targeted Israeli forces operating inside Lebanese territory.

Israeli officials have stated that their presence in Lebanon is to protect northern communities from rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah, aiming for a long-term security zone. However, this expansion is causing displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese and preventing their return to their homes.