Smotrich urges Israel to annex southern Lebanon as assault intensifies
Published on March 23, 2026.
Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has urged Israel to annex southern Lebanon as the military intensifies its assault on the area. He stated that the Litani River, a critical waterway that runs through southern Lebanon, should be the new Israeli border. This comes as Israel continues to carry out deadly attacks on Lebanon, which the United Nations has said may amount to war crimes. The Israeli military has destroyed bridges and homes in an intensified assault, killing at least 1,039 people, including 118 children, across Lebanon since early March. The conflict is causing dire consequences on Lebanese civilians, with over 1.2 million people forced to flee their homes.
Related Articles
More than 300 children killed in Iran, Lebanon since war started: UNICEF
UNICEF reports that 324 children have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since the U.S. Israel-led war began, with significant displacements and conflict-related issues.
San Francisco’s reparations fund has a serious constitutional problem
San Francisco’s Reparations Plan violates the Constitution by excluding eligible individuals from specific benefits based on race and ancestry, prompting a lawsuit from residents and civil rights groups.
Hefty Fireworks Fines, More Ballot Boxes: Carlsbad City Council Agenda
Carlsbad City Council will discuss new fireworks violations with new fines and accountability measures, including $1,000 fines for each violation, to reduce repeat violations and improve community safety.