Bassel Doueik on systematic property destruction in southern Lebanon

Bassel Doueik, Lebanon and Jordan researcher at ACLED, said: 

“Since the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on 17 April, Israeli forces have carried out systematic destruction of properties in southern Lebanon, akin to Israel’s strategy in the Gaza Strip. 

“ACLED has recorded over 100 events of property destruction targeting critical infrastructure across multiple villages, including Bint Jbeil city. This destruction has mostly affected residential buildings, but also roads, key bridges, mosques, Shiite religious sites, and electricity infrastructure. Destruction has been mainly concentrated in villages within the so-called Yellow Line — a 10-kilometer Israeli military zone north of the border inside Lebanese territory (see map below). 

“This pattern aligns with several Israeli officials’ statements regarding the creation of a multi-layered buffer zone that includes a no-man’s land along the borderline. For this to be achieved, property destruction and the displacement of residents are necessary. While the Israeli army has not replicated specific tactics used in Gaza, such as explosive-laden robots, the strategic operational logic nonetheless resembles Israel’s military strategy of buffer zone-building in Gaza.” 

Visual by Ana Marco