Hezbollah has pledged to defend the region against Israeli forces, warning it will resist any move to occupy southern Lebanon, as Israel sets out plans to establish a buffer zone following its latest invasion.

enior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said any Israeli advance south of the Litani River would pose an “existential threat” to Lebanon and would be met with armed resistance. “We have no choice but to confront this aggression and cling to the land,” he told Reuters.

The remarks came after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel intended to occupy territory up to the Litani River to create a “defensive buffer,” marking the clearest statement yet of plans to seize a significant portion of southern Lebanon.

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Katz said Israeli forces would control key crossings and infrastructure in the area, describing the move as necessary to push threats away from border communities. He likened the strategy to operations in Gaza, including the demolition of buildings deemed to be used by Hezbollah.

Israel has already destroyed several bridges and intensified strikes on border villages, part of what it says is a campaign targeting Hezbollah fighters. Lebanese authorities say more than 1,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced.

The escalation follows Hezbollah’s involvement in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, after the group launched attacks into Israel earlier this month.

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