Israeli Military Announces Forced Evacuation for Southern Lebanon Buffer Zone
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a plan to establish a permanent 10-kilometer security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, involving the total demolition of border villages to prevent Hezbollah's return. This policy triggered the new displacement of approximately 45,000 residents from Marjayoun and Khiam towards Beirut. The Guardian and Al Jazeera reported that the IDF intends to implement a 'Gaza-style' model of clearance, rendering first-line border communities uninhabitable for the long term.
Date: March 31, 2026
Location: Lebanon
Conflict: Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Category: humanitarian
Severity: CRITICAL
Displaced: 45,000
Source: The Guardian / Al Jazeera