Israeli troops are fortifying positions and continuing demolitions in southern Lebanon, according to a BBC report that visited occupied areas. A Lebanese military checkpoint near Naqoura marks the last visible sign of the state's presence, with soldiers positioned behind concrete walls. Further south, Israeli flags denote the start of occupied territory, where entry is restricted without Israeli authorization.
The region, the heartland of Lebanon's Shia Muslim community and a key support base for Hezbollah, has seen repeated Israeli invasions over the past two decades. The most recent conflict began in March following rocket fire into Israel, occurring amidst the broader war against Iran involving the United States and Israel.
A BBC team accompanying a United Nations peacekeeping force, known as Unifil, gained access to the Israeli-controlled areas. Similar to patterns observed in Gaza, Israel has razed entire villages. Air strikes and demolitions have persisted even after a ceasefire was announced in June.
The landscape in these areas is marked by abandoned crops and widespread destruction. Ruined buildings, many too numerous to count, are a common sight along the highway by the Mediterranean.
Unifil, one of the few entities with access to these occupied zones, has reported on the ongoing military activities. The presence of Israeli soldiers at checkpoints, including those established in residential buildings, has been noted.
Nets have been observed hanging above buildings utilized by the Israeli military, suggesting defensive or camouflage measures.
The UN peacekeeping force also documented Israeli military vehicles moving along the road that runs alongside the wall separating Lebanon and Israel.
Air strikes have continued to impact civilian areas, with reports of craters left by overnight attacks on houses.
