Strikes hit Lebanon as Israel vows to occupy swathe of south after war

Israeli airstrikes hit near Beirut's main airport road on Tuesday, marking an escalation as Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the military would occupy a swathe of southern Lebanon even after the current war against Hezbollah concludes. The strikes killed three UN peacekeepers in the south, triggering an emergency Security Council session and heightening diplomatic tension over Israel's territorial intentions. Katz's statement signals Israel plans a longer-term military presence in Lebanon beyond immediate combat operations, a significant shift from typical post-conflict withdrawal timelines. The strikes near the capital and the announced occupation plan represent a major expansion of the conflict's scope and duration. Lebanese officials condemned the attacks as tensions mount over how long Israeli forces will maintain control of Lebanese territory.