Tuesday, 21/04/2026   
   Beirut 16:13

Southern Lebanon: Israeli Enemey Escalates Systematic Destruction Campaign Under Ceasefire Cover

Destruction after Israeli occupation forces carried out demolition operations in the southern Lebanese town of Rshaf (April 21, 2026).

Israeli occupation forces have escalated violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, carrying out sustained demolition operations aimed at destroying civilian infrastructure in the southern border villages, amid artillery shelling and continuous aerial surveillance.

According to field reports by Al-Manar correspondents across southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have exploited the ceasefire announced last week to establish what they term a “defense zone” extending between 2 and 8 kilometers inside the Lebanese territory, accompanied by movement restrictions across an estimated 500 square kilometers. Large areas have been effectively sealed off, with civilians barred from access as strikes and destruction continue.

Our correspondents have assured that the Israeli enemy failed to take control of this area during the battles in the 45-day Israeli aggression, before the ceasefire which took effect on April 17.

Overnight, Israeli forces detonated Imam Moussa Al-Sadr sports complex in the town of Mays Al-Jabal, shortly after setting fire to ambulances belonging to the Islamic Risala Association.

In the border city of Khiam, Israeli forces carried out overnight a series of demolitions in the western and eastern neighborhoods. Meanwhile, surveillance drones were continuously seen flying over the area, reaching as far as Dibbine towards Marjeyoun, according to Al-Manar correspondent.

Local media reported that the technical school in the city was fully destroyed after being rigged with explosives and detonated. The school was damaged during the 2024 Israeli war on Lebanon. However, it was completely destroyed on Tuesday morning.

Elsewhere in Rashaf, Israeli occupation forces have carried out extensive bulldozing operations since the ceasefire, targeting roads, residential neighborhoods, and even cemeteries, according to Al-Manar correspondent. The latest attacks reportedly included the destruction of the town’s main square, an old mosque, the shrine of Abu Dharr, and the martyrs’ cemetery, in addition to the leveling of entire residential blocks.

Artillery shelling also struck the outskirts of Kawnine near Beit Yahoun, while reconnaissance drones flew at low altitude over Baalbek and surrounding areas in eastern Lebanon.

The continued strikes, demolitions, and restrictions point to an ongoing pattern of escalation, with widespread destruction affecting civilian infrastructure, property, and daily life across southern Lebanon.

Source: Al-Manar English Website