Lebanon Litani River Bridges: Invasion & Critical Infrastructure

Israel’s expanded invasion of southern Lebanon was at least 12 days in the making, with bridges across the country systematically targeted and destroyed beginning March 12. The destruction of these key crossings has severely restricted movement for residents in the evacuation zone and limited access to essential services.

Mapping Litani’s Bridges

Four bridges considered essential to connect central Lebanon to the south – the Qasmiyeh, Khardali, Qaaqaaiyeh and Zrarieh-Tayr Felsay – have all reportedly been destroyed. The Litani River runs from central Lebanon to the south, crossing most of the country.

First Strikes on Bridges

On March 12, the Qantara Bridge, a small crossing over a tributary of the Litani, was destroyed. Photos show the bridge, which once stood between the villages of Ghandouriyeh and Qantara, in ruins.

A day later, the Zrarieh bridge, almost 11km north-west on the main part of the Litani, was also destroyed. On March 14, reports emerged on Telegram of the bombing of the Khardali bridge, which connects the areas of Nabatieh to the north of the Litani to Marjayoun.

This targeting of the major bridges coincided with intensified Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and evacuation warnings which displaced residents from 14 percent of the country. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans on March 24 for his country’s military to take control of southern Lebanon, from the Israeli border to the Litani river.

Main Highway Cut

The Qasmiyeh coastal highway was a key thoroughfare for displaced residents escaping the bombing. Videos posted to Telegram on March 23 show the IDF struck the highway bridge twice, first creating a crater and then completely destroying it. On the same day, the Qaaqaaiyeh Bridge, 16km away, was hit, with remnants visible in the river.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the Israeli attacks on bridges “a prelude to a ground invasion and an attempt to obstruct humanitarian aid access,” adding that targeting the Litani bridges was “falling within suspicious plans to re-establish a buffer zone” and “seek Israeli expansion.” Mr. Katz called the area south of the Litani river a “security zone” earlier this week. He confirmed the Israeli military had destroyed five bridges over the river and would seek to control all other crossings.

Israel first invaded and occupied Lebanon in 1978 and again in 1982, with the second invasion lasting until 2000 when Israel withdrew to the UN Blue Line. More recently, the 2006 war saw Israel invade the south and strike towns near Sidon. That invasion ended in a ceasefire in November 2006, although Israel continued to strike southern Lebanon against claimed Hezbollah targets. Israel continued to hold ground inside Lebanon, despite the terms of the truce demanding a withdrawal.

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) says up to 1 million Lebanese people have been internally displaced due to the intensified conflict in Lebanon’s south and in its capital Beirut.