Netanyahu orders destruction of Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon

Background: Security zone and buffer zone

According to Netanyahu, around eight percent of an original stock of 150,000 rockets and missiles of the militia remained. In addition, Israel had killed around 9,000 "terrorists" in Lebanon, the prime minister said. He described Hezbollah as the most important link in an axis of Iranian allies.

The Israeli-controlled territory in southern Lebanon covers around 620 square kilometers according to geographic calculations by Lebanese media. This corresponds to around six percent of Lebanon's total area. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah consider the unilaterally imposed Israeli "security zone" to be a violation of international law.

One background to the conflict is a framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on Friday under US mediation. It is intended to pave the way for a lasting peace between the two neighboring countries. Netanyahu's current order stands in a tense relationship with these diplomatic efforts.

Diplomatic framework agreement under US mediation

Netanyahu also instructed the soldiers to act immediately as soon as they identify a threat to their lives. In doing so, he reaffirmed the applicable rules of engagement for the units stationed in the border area.

The order came against the backdrop of continued tensions on Israel's northern border. From there, Hezbollah had repeatedly fired rockets at Israeli territory, which serves as justification for the Israeli military operations.

The reporting on the order was transmitted from Tel Aviv. The news was broadcast on June 30, 2026 on the Deutschlandfunk program. The prime minister had previously emphasized several times that a withdrawal of Israeli troops could only be considered after the militia had been fully disarmed.

International reactions and international law

The unilaterally declared security zone remains internationally controversial. While Israel cites the right to self-defense, Lebanon and Hezbollah see it as a violation of international law. An independent on-site assessment of the situation is currently difficult, as foreign journalists' access to the southern Lebanese border area is severely restricted.

Overall, Netanyahu's order underscores the toughness of Israeli military policy toward Hezbollah. The destruction of all infrastructure – including tunnel facilities – aims to permanently prevent future attacks on Israeli territory.

Reactions from Lebanon and the international community to the new order had not yet been received at the time of reporting. Observers pointed out that the implementation of the framework agreement with US mediation could be additionally burdened by the continued military policy.