'We’re Behaving Like Gaza': IDF Voices Spark Alarm Over Lebanon Operations

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon are raising fresh concerns, with reports suggesting tactics similar to those used in Gaza are being deployed in the Hezbollah stronghold, even as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East continue.

According to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces have described “unofficial” activities that involve demolishing villages in southern Lebanon.

One army official told the publication, "We're behaving just like we did in Gaza."

The report states that bulldozers have "razed villages near the border fence to clear space” for constructing new military outposts. A combat soldier noted that the structures being built appear to be “permanent”.

Another soldier was quoted as saying, “There's a list of homes to be demolished, and we measure success based on the number of buildings destroyed in a day. It's not clear why so many troops are needed to protect these activities or what the broader goal beyond this is."

The report further claimed that Israeli forces have “advanced to the third line of villages from the border, roughly 20 kilometres south” of Lebanon's Litani River, amid indications that additional outposts are being established near the border.

The apparent objective is to push Hezbollah north of the Litani River.

How Does the Israel-Lebanon Conflict Impact Civilians and Aid Workers?

The developments come at a time when diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions.

Ten countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday (local time), the countries said they remained “deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon” and called for an immediate end to hostilities.

“We welcome the ceasefire agreed between the United States, Israel and Iran. We call for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon,” the statement added.

The signatories emphasised that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times and highlighted the need to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.

“Humanitarian personnel, who dedicate themselves to protecting and assisting the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected,” the statement said.

They also strongly condemned attacks that endanger aid workers and reiterated that international humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties under all circumstances.

(With inputs from ANI)