Israel launched airstrikes near Beirut's main airport as Defense Minister Israel Katz declared plans to occupy southern Lebanon after the current war with Hezbollah concludes.
The strikes hit a building next to the airport access road, the country's main international passenger facility. Israeli forces targeted what they described as Hezbollah infrastructure in the southern suburbs.
Katz said the IDF will establish a permanent security zone extending to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border. He promised to prevent the return of displaced Lebanese civilians until northern Israel's security is ensured.
"All the houses in the villages adjacent to the border in Lebanon will be demolished to remove once and for all the border-adjacent threats," Katz stated.
Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa condemned the plans as "a deepening of the aggression" and evidence of Israel's intention to impose new occupation of Lebanese territory.
The conflict has killed more than 1,200 people and displaced over one million. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli soldiers near the border town of Bint Jbeil.
The UN Security Council convened after three Indonesian peacekeepers died from Israeli fire and mine explosions in southern Lebanon.