The military action also targeted underground tunnels throughout the identified security zone, according to the minister's October 17 remarks. Following the disclosure, commentator Mehdi Hasan characterized the Israeli government's public admission of the scale of destruction as a rare instance of a campaign of ethnic cleansing being openly bragged about by its perpetrators.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Israel Destroyed 23000 Lebanon Homes Under Gaza Model Strategy
War3 days ago
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces have wiped out more than 60 villages in southern Lebanon to create a security zone extending up to the Yellow Line. The operation, which spanned an area of 700 square kilometers, resulted in the destruction or demolition of 23,000 houses and left the region without residents, forcing approximately 200,000 people to leave their homes. Katz described the strategy as the "Gaza model" and confirmed that this approach is currently being implemented in Lebanon.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.