Israel Has Demolished 48 of 60 Shia-Majority Villages in Southern Lebanon, Report Says

DID Press: An investigation by The New York Times, published on October 12, 2026, found that 48 of approximately 60 villages and towns in southern Lebanon under Israeli occupation have suffered extensive destruction. Based on satellite imagery, the investigation documented damage to homes, schools, mosques and roads.

According to the report, most of the heavily damaged areas had predominantly Shia populations, while seven areas inhabited mainly by Christians, Sunnis or Druze were spared destruction on a similar scale. The geographical disparity raises questions about the pattern of destruction and its consequences for local communities.

The investigation also found that demolitions continued after a ceasefire took effect in April, making it more difficult for displaced residents to return to border areas and rebuild their lives. The destruction of homes, schools, mosques and husseiniyas has caused material losses and threatens to weaken the social, educational and religious ties that sustain rural communities.

Israeli officials have said the operations are intended to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent the group’s fighters from returning to border areas. However, the legality of demolishing civilian homes and entire villages must be assessed under international humanitarian law, which prohibits unlawful destruction of civilian property. Such destruction cannot be justified solely by invoking military objectives.

The scale of the devastation, particularly in Shia-majority areas, has heightened concerns about whether residents will be able to return, restore essential infrastructure and preserve the social fabric of southern Lebanon’s villages.

Reconstruction will require more than rebuilding damaged structures. It will also depend on establishing safe conditions for displaced residents to return and restoring the social and community life disrupted by the destruction.