Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israel to extend its border with Lebanon southward up to the Litani River, remarks that come amid escalating military operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.
Smotrich’s statement on Monday represents the most explicit endorsement yet by a senior Israeli official of potentially annexing Lebanese territory, as Israel conducts air and ground strikes across the region.
Bridges have been bombed and homes destroyed in a campaign Israel describes as aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in its southern stronghold.
The current conflict began on March 2, 2026, when Hezbollah launched missile attacks into Israel, drawing Lebanon into the wider regional confrontation.
In response, Israel has ordered residents south of the Litani River to evacuate and continues to carry out intensive airstrikes and artillery bombardments.
Lebanon authorities report that the assault has killed more than 1,000 people and displaced over one million residents, as large swathes of southern Lebanon have been emptied under Israeli evacuation orders.
The military campaign and Smotrich’s remarks have heightened international concern over the humanitarian crisis, territorial tensions, and the risk of broader escalation in the region.
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