An Israeli artillery gun fires towards southern Lebanon, from northern Israel, on 20 March. The Israeli military has approved plans to expand ground and air attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, amid fears of a large-scale invasion.
Since the group fired rockets into Israel earlier this month, over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 118 children and 40 health workers. More than a million people have been displaced, risking a major humanitarian crisis.
Israeli officials claim the operations aim to protect communities in northern Israel. The defense minister ordered the destruction of bridges over the Litani River used by Hezbollah for reinforcements. An airstrike damaged the Qasmiye bridge near Tyre, a key route linking southern and central Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of planning a ground invasion and using 'collective punishment' against civilians. He warned of 'suspicious schemes' to expand Israel's presence in Lebanese territory.
The military also ordered the demolition of homes in border villages, similar to tactics used in Gaza. The conflict with Hezbollah began after rocket attacks in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader and ongoing Israeli strikes despite a ceasefire.
Lebanon's government seeks to disarm Hezbollah, which was formed in the 1980s in response to Israel's occupation. However, the group has refused to discuss its future weapons.