Date: April 19, 2026 l Reporter: Ebere Igboke
Israel has announced it will continue to use “full force” in Lebanon despite an ongoing ceasefire, escalating tensions in the region as authorities ordered the demolition of homes allegedly linked to Hezbollah positions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the military to act decisively “both on the ground and from the air,” even during the truce, to counter any perceived threats to Israeli forces.
The directive comes amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire that took effect after weeks of intense fighting between Israeli forces and the militant group Hezbollah. While the truce has allowed some displaced civilians to return to their homes in southern Lebanon, many remain uncertain about its durability.
On the ground, signs of destruction remain widespread. In villages such as Dibbine and Srifa, residents were seen inspecting damaged homes and attempting to salvage belongings from the rubble. Others, however, were observed leaving the region again after briefly returning, highlighting lingering fears of renewed hostilities.
Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces have continued demolishing structures in border towns including Bint Jbeil, Mais Al-Jabal, and Deir Seryan, with additional artillery shelling recorded in nearby areas.
Israel has also established what it described as a “forward defense line” in southern Lebanon, marking zones where its forces are actively operating to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent threats to northern Israeli communities. The military said it had killed an armed individual who crossed into the restricted area.
The developments have drawn international concern, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemning what he described as Israeli “expansionism” in Lebanon.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire, as continued military actions and retaliatory threats risk reigniting full-scale conflict. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic efforts, the region could slide back into prolonged violence, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon.