Israeli campaign against Litani bridges to prevent the population from returning

During the third week of March 2026, Israeli forces began implementing a plan to isolate the South of Lebanon, separating areas south of the Litani River from those to the north by targeting several key bridges: Deir Mimas–Marjayoun, Khardali–Marjayoun, Tayr Felsay–Zrariyeh, and the Wadi al-Hujeir–Qantara bridge.

On Wednesday March 18, the Israeli army spokesperson announced strikes on Litani River crossings, claiming the need to prevent Hezbollah from moving weapons. So far, the Qaaqaaiyeh bridge, the inner bridge in Qasmieh and the temporary crossing in Burj Rahhal have been targeted.

Hala Jaber Aanalysis concerning this operation

"Israel has struck the Qasmiya Bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, one of the last major crossings on the coastal highway. This is not just another “military target.” The Qasmiya Bridge is a key civilian artery linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country. Cut it, & you isolate entire communities, restricting movement of civilians, ambulances, aid, & daily life. Southern Lebanon is one of the country’s main agricultural regions. Citrus groves, vineyards, orchards, & farms supply Beirut & beyond. Cut the crossings, & you don’t just isolate people, you disrupt food supply chains. The Litani River has long been treated as a strategic line. Striking bridges along it reinforces that divide، physically & operationally. This is not just about targeting. It is about shaping geography. Over one million Lebanese remain displaced. Entire villages have been flattened. And within the past 48 hours, Israeli voices have openly discussed expansion south of the Litani, including permanent settlements. At the same time, settler-linked groups tied to Uri Tzafon are already advertising properties in southern Lebanon for sale. Treating the land as if it is already theirs. 7/ Destroying bridges does not just target armed groups. It isolates populations, disrupts livelihoods, & prepares the ground. This is how a “temporary buffer zone” begins to look permanent. Lebanon’s President condemned the strike on the Qasmiya Bridge, calling it a dangerous escalation & a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. He warns that targeting bridges over the Litani aims to sever geographic connectivity between the south & the rest of the country, & forms part of plans to impose a buffer zone & entrench occupation. This is how a buffer zone becomes a border"

Timeline of the destruction:

The strikes come after Israel yesterday issued a mass forced displacement order covering the entire area south of the Zahrani River, roughly 15% of Lebanon’s territory. Almost 700 civilians in Lebanon have been killed, at least 1770 injured and at least 800,000 forcibly displaced from their homes, approximately 14% of the population, according to the UN, since March 2

March 12: Israeli bombed the "Bridge of February 6", that connects Saida to Zahrani. The bridge is next to a Lebanese army checkpoint.

They struk also the Al Qantara bridge, Coordinates: 33.277849, 35.446029. This river is a tributary of the Litani.

March 13: in the morning the Israeli forces struck the Zrariyeh bridge over Lebanon’s Litani River, following yesterday’s destruction of the Qantara bridge in Wadi al-Hujeir, marking the first two aggressions targeting major crossings linking the area south of the Litani with the rest of Lebanon since the July 2006 war of aggression. Zarariya-Tirseflay bridge, Coordinates: 33.3264093, 35.3428654

March 14, Israel struck the Khordali Bridge over the Litani River this morning, linking Marjeyoun and Nabatieh. A day earlier, it also targeted another Litani crossing — the Zrariyeh Bridge. Khardali bridge: Coordinates: 33.342372, 35.543112

March 18 and 19, Israel struk twice the Al-Kinayat bridge. As above, the initial strike failed to destroy the bridge. A follow-up one day later destroyed the bridge and injured British RT journalist Steve Sweeney.

March 22, Israeli occupation forces struck the Qasmiyeh Bridge linking Tyre and Sidon in southern Lebanon. Israel claims the aim is to block Hezbollah reinforcements, but in reality it is about pressuring civilians and fragmenting communities.

March 18 and 23, Israel struk the Qaaqaaiet Al Jisr bridge. An initial attack on 18 March damaged the bridge, a follow-up strike on 23 March rendered it impassable.