Reports: Israel expanding and fortifying positions in southern Lebanon, UN peacekeepers observe ongoing demolitions

What happened

The BBC reports from a humanitarian mission with the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops are reportedly fortifying positions and continuing demolitions despite a ceasefire declared in June. The UNIFIL mission accompanied civilians through areas near the border, observing abandoned crops, destroyed buildings, and a significant Israeli military presence including new bases and infrastructure developments.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The strip of land currently under Israeli control covers approximately 5% of Lebanese territory and extends up to 10 kilometres from the border. Israeli forces have established at least nine bases in the area, up from five following the previous conflict in 2024, according to UNIFIL. The BBC team noted Israeli construction of protective infrastructure and civilian personnel engaged in demolition and engineering activities supporting military operations.

Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, have said preparations are underway for a long-term presence to secure northern Israeli communities from rocket and drone fire allegedly launched by Hezbollah. Israeli military statements provided to the BBC claim that the demolished buildings were used by Hezbollah for military purposes and assert their operations comply with international law. However, the Israeli military declined to respond to detailed questions concerning actions in occupied areas.

Known from the source

• BBC accompanied a UNIFIL peacekeeping humanitarian mission in southern Lebanon near the Israel border.
• Israeli troops are fortifying positions, constructing protective infrastructure, and continuing demolitions in occupied southern Lebanon.
• The currently occupied strip accounts for around 5% of Lebanese territory and extends up to 10 km from the border.
• UNIFIL reports a rise in Israeli military bases in the area from 5 to 9 since the last conflict in 2024.
• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for a long-term presence in the region.

What remains unclear

Human rights groups have raised concerns that some Israeli actions may constitute deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, a potential war crime. The ongoing military presence and demolitions contribute to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians, many of whom remain uncertain about returning. Meanwhile, the Lebanese military reports thousands of ceasefire violations by Israel since June, including air strikes and cross-border attacks, although these claims remain to be independently verified.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of ceasefire violation claims and exact scale from Lebanese military and UNIFIL. Verification from multiple sources about the extent and purpose of demolitions and new Israeli military bases. Clarification on the status and safety conditions for Lebanese civilians in the occupied areas.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Middle East Lebanon. Open the source.