Events are unfolding in southern Lebanon, where calls from Israeli ministers for the annexation of this region are on the rise, as settlers persist in their attempts to enter Lebanese villages. Despite the official Israeli denial, the colonization of southern Lebanon is not merely a fantasy; it is a tangible and organized project.
On May 14, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir revealed the existence of a "settlement plan for Lebanon," coinciding with the day Lebanon and Israel were supposed to resume direct negotiations in Washington, aimed at normalizing relations and reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Details of the Event
Prior to this, on March 26, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that "the Litani should be our new border with Lebanon, just as the Yellow Line is in Gaza." These statements are not mere verbal provocations; they are accompanied by actions already taking place on the ground by Israeli civilians within Lebanese territory.
On February 12, weeks before the outbreak of the recent war, dozens of settlers, including women and children, attempted to plant trees inside Lebanese territory in what appeared to be a staged display to promote the expansion of Israeli settlement. These settlers were later evacuated by the Israeli army, which described the incident as "serious" and considered it a criminal violation threatening both civilians and soldiers alike.
Background & Context
Historically, Israeli colonization of southern Lebanon traces back to the roots of Zionist ideology. Lebanese politician Raymond Edde, a founder of Greater Lebanon, warned throughout his political career about Israeli ambitions in Lebanon. In 1998, Edde noted that Theodor Herzl had described the lands sought by Zionism, extending from "the Nile to the Euphrates," including Lebanon.
On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was established, with Ben Gurion presenting a military report outlining offensive objectives, including the "crushing of Lebanon." In 1954, Ben Gurion and Moshe Dayan devised a military plan to annex Lebanon, aiming to find a Lebanese officer to collaborate with them in establishing a Christian regime loyal to Israel.
Impact & Consequences
Today, the project of colonizing southern Lebanon is supported by an organization known as Uri Tzafon, established in March 2024 to advocate for the reoccupation of southern Lebanon and the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the region. This organization claims that settlement in Lebanon is a security necessity for northern Israel and part of a legitimate messianic mission to reclaim lands believed to be within "the Land of Israel."
The activities organized by this organization are increasing, as they have conducted propaganda campaigns in northern Israeli cities, reflecting the growing momentum towards settlement in Lebanon. Operations carried out in Maroun al-Ras in December 2024 and Yaron in February 2026 were organized by members of this organization.
Regional Significance
The repercussions of these events extend beyond Lebanese borders, raising widespread concern in the Arab world. As Israeli aggressions continue, Arab countries must adopt a unified stance towards these violations, especially in light of attempts by some Lebanese politicians to deny these threats. Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation is the first step towards confronting the challenges facing Lebanon and the region as a whole.
In conclusion, Israeli colonization of southern Lebanon is an imposing reality, and the international community must act to halt these violations that threaten security and stability in the region.