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April 20, 2026 | 11:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Israel said it will continue using “full force” against threats in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire, as military operations and destruction reportedly continue in parts of the south.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the military to act decisively.
He said the military has been ordered to operate “with full force, both on land and from the air, including during the ceasefire, to protect our troops in Lebanon from any threats.” Katz also said forces were instructed to destroy roads suspected of being rigged with explosives and demolish houses in border villages allegedly used as Hezbollah positions.
Continued Destruction in Southern Lebanon
According to Lebanon’s official news agency, the National News Agency (Lebanon), Israeli forces are still carrying out demolitions in southern areas. The agency reported ongoing destruction of residential remains in Bint Jbeil on Sunday, following similar operations a day earlier.
It also said Israeli troops demolished houses in Mais al-Jabal, conducted sweeping and demolition operations in Deir Seryan, and shelled the town of Kunin.
Fragile Ceasefire Holds Amid Returns
A 10-day ceasefire came into effect on Friday, April 17, 2026, temporarily halting weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, conditions on the ground remain volatile.
According to Arab News, some displaced residents have begun returning to villages in southern Lebanon. In Dibbine, residents were seen assessing damage to their homes, while in Srifa, returnees collected belongings such as mattresses and washing machines amid widespread destruction.
The Israeli military has also announced the creation of a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the separation line in Gaza. On Sunday, it released a map showing what it described as its forward defense line.
According to Al Arabiya, the line extends roughly 5 to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, covering dozens of villages now under Israeli control.
Heavy Toll Since Conflict Began
The ceasefire follows rare high-level talks between Lebanon and Israel, backed by the United States, aimed at opening the door to negotiations after decades of limited direct engagement.
Since fighting escalated on March 2, 2026, Lebanese authorities say more than 2,100 people have been killed, including children, and over 1.2 million displaced. Israel, meanwhile, says Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians and 15 of its soldiers during operations in Lebanon.
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