IDF begins destroying homes used by Hezbollah as forces move deeper into southern Lebanon

The IDF has begun demolishing homes in southern Lebanese villages located along the border with Israel, military sources said on Wednesday morning.

According to the sources, the houses targeted by the military were used by the Hezbollah terrorist group as bases to launch anti-tank fire and conduct reconnaissance of Israeli forces. 

The razing was being carried out in accordance with orders issued by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who last week instructed the IDF to begin destroying homes and bridges south of the Litani River.

"We have ordered an acceleration in the destruction of Lebanese homes in contact-line villages to neutralize threats to Israeli communities, in accordance with the model of Beit Hanun and Rafah in Gaza," Katz said at the time, adding that the military will continue to allow residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate northward.

Meanwhile, IDF divisions continued their ground incursion into southern Lebanon overnight on Wednesday, maneuvering deeper into Lebanese territory, a security sources said.

Several Hezbollah fighters were detained as prisoners of war after surrendering to Israeli forces in the past 24 hours, sources added, saying they were transferred over for interrogation.

IDF sources observed "low morale" among the terrorists who were captured, most from the capital Beirut. Other fighters were said to have managed to flee north of the Litani River.

Furthermore, the fighters were said to have employed heavy guerilla warfare, using the demolished homes as hiding spots between rounds of fire aimed at Israeli troops.

Last week, defense sources told The Jerusalem Post that Israel plans to keep “effective control” of southern Lebanon even for an indefinite period after the current war ends, presuming that Hezbollah will not yet have disarmed.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.