Israel Strikes Lebanon Bridges, Homes

Israel has significantly escalated its military campaign in Lebanon by striking a main bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country and ordering the destruction of all crossings over the Litani River, as well as accelerating the demolition of homes near the southern border. These actions, ordered by Defense Minister Israel Katz, are aimed at preventing Hezbollah militants and weapons from moving south, following Hezbollah's initial firing into Israeli territory on March 2. The strikes have resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Lebanon, including many civilians, and have displaced more than a million people. International bodies like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have criticized Israel's actions, citing potential violations of international law and warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun views these strikes as a 'prelude to a ground invasion' and a 'policy of collective punishment.' The Lebanese government has outlawed Hezbollah's military activity and expressed a desire for direct talks with Israel.