The Israeli military has destroyed a series of vital bridges linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, effectively isolating the area south of the Litani River and fueling concerns over the creation of a new buffer zone along the river.

Among the seven bridges targeted are the Qasmiyeh Bridge—the largest and most strategic crossing over the Litani River, connecting Sidon to Tyre—as well as the Qinayat Bridge along the coastal highway, the Khardali Bridge linking the Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun districts, the Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr Bridge in Nabatiyeh, the Zrariyeh–Tayr Falsayh Bridge connecting Tyre to Zahrani, and the Dallafa Bridge between Hasbaya and Marjayoun.

The destruction of these crossings has left the region south of the Litani largely cut off from Sidon, Beirut, and northern Lebanon, in what analysts describe as a possible step toward establishing a security buffer zone extending to the river.

Retired Lebanese Brigadier General Georges Nader said the consequences are immediate and far-reaching.

“Crossing into the area south of the Litani has become nearly impossible, not only for civilians, but also for Lebanese security forces and UNIFIL forces,” he told Al-Markazia. “The coastal road is now the only remaining route.”

Nader said the destruction of the bridges effectively severs the region not only from its northern surroundings but from the rest of the country.

“Israel is cutting off the area geographically to entrench a buffer zone. The impact on Lebanon is significant, as a part of the country is being detached and placed under Israeli security control, with no clarity on when Israel might withdraw,” he said.

Israel has argued that Hezbollah uses such infrastructure to transport weapons, but Nader questioned the validity of that claim.

“Smuggling does not depend solely on bridges. Fighters can cross the river on foot or come from the Bekaa Valley. There are multiple routes,” he said. “While Hezbollah may use these crossings, so do civilians. This suggests the objective is broader; Israel is effectively forcing Lebanon to relinquish the area south of the Litani for an undefined period, pending Hezbollah's full disarmament.”

Nader explained that the move carries both strategic and psychological dimensions. 

“It sends a message to the Lebanese state, while also reassuring Israeli residents in the north. When Israel tells its citizens that the area south of the Litani is under its control, it shifts the perceived threat away from the immediate border to the river line, which may encourage them to return to their homes,” he said.

Nader described the situation as “catastrophic” for Lebanon, raising concerns about the fate of Lebanese army units stationed in the south, UNIFIL forces, and civilians in the affected areas.

“What will the army units still deployed in Tyre and other southern barracks do? What about UNIFIL and ordinary citizens?” he said. “This is a devastating decision.”

“This is Israel, but we are the ones who brought the bear into our vineyard, invited it in, and allowed it to act as it pleases," Nader concluded.