22/03/2026
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22/03/2026
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TEL AVIV/BEIRUT: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has expanded the military’s target list in Lebanon to include all bridges over the Litani River, a key area in the escalating conflict with Hezbollah.
Katz accused the Iran-backed group of using crossings along the river, located roughly 30 kilometers north of Israel’s border, to transport fighters and weapons into southern Lebanon. He also directed the military to accelerate the demolition of homes near Israel’s northern border, saying the move is aimed at eliminating threats to Israeli communities.
The latest escalation follows rocket fire by Hezbollah earlier this month, which triggered a major Israeli offensive. Lebanese authorities say the strikes have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced over one million, while Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel.
In southern Israel, dozens of people were wounded and several buildings heavily damaged in a strike in the town of Arad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “miracle” that no fatalities were reported, urging residents to immediately seek shelter when sirens sound.
Medical officials reported a surge in casualties following the attacks. Dr. Roy Kessous of Soroka Medical Center said injuries included shrapnel wounds and trauma, with entire families affected and some left homeless.
Kessous added that while the hospital is trained for such emergencies, the scale of the incident has placed additional strain on resources. “We are ready to receive wounded from the area again right now,” he told The Associated Press.
The situation remains highly volatile, with fears of further escalation across the region.
