Amnesty International revealed in an investigation published Tuesday that the Israeli army committed extensive and deliberate destruction in border villages in southern Lebanon during the recent war with Hezbollah, considering it amounts to “war crimes” that require investigation. The organization stated that more than 10,000 structures were severely damaged or completely destroyed between October 1, 2024, and January 26, 2025, noting that most of the destruction occurred after the ceasefire agreement came into effect in November 2024, which stipulated Hezbollah’s withdrawal to northern Litani and dismantling of its military infrastructure in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from advanced areas. However, Israel still maintains forces in five strategic hills on the border, with Lebanon demanding their withdrawal to this day.

Amnesty International confirmed that Israeli forces used manually planted explosives and bulldozers to destroy homes, mosques, cemeteries, roads, public gardens, and football fields in 24 border villages, including Kfarkila, Maroun al-Ras, Al-Adisa, Aita al-Shaab, and Dhahireh, rendering entire areas “uninhabitable.” The investigation relied on satellite images and videos documenting destruction carried out by Israeli soldiers, including footage showing soldiers planting explosives inside homes and damaging roads and public facilities. The organization added that the widespread destruction occurred “in the absence of any military necessity,” violating international humanitarian law. Lebanon remains unable to announce reconstruction plans in the destroyed border areas, while the World Bank estimated recovery and rebuilding needs at about $14 billion in March. Israel claims its raids targeted Hezbollah sites, while Amnesty International states that deliberately targeting civilian property constitutes a blatant violation of international law and is never justified.