![Israeli military vehicles and tanks are stationed near the Lebanese border in northern Israel on March 14, 2026. [Tsafrir Abayov - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AA-20260314-40826483-40826474-MILITARY_BUILDUP_IN_NORTHERN_ISRAEL_AMID_ONGOING_STRIKES_ON_LEBANON.jpg)
Israel plans to occupy the first line of villages in southern Lebanon to prevent rocket fire, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. Channel 12 said the political echelon intends to instruct the army to occupy any area in Lebanon from which anti-tank weapons are launched, “until further notice.” “Israel intends to control all areas that threaten the population, especially the first line of villages in southern Lebanon,” the channel said, without specifying these villages. “This is merely a bargaining chip until they come to retrieve it on Israel’s terms,” the channel said, citing an unnamed senior Israeli security source. “The Lebanese government has no other way but to dismantle Hezbollah, as this is the most effective measure,” the source […]
