Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said Israel should take over southern Lebanon. He said this in a radio interview on Monday. This statement makes people in the region more worried. This is because Israel is fighting Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah is supported by Iran. Smotrich's words are very clear about Israel's desire for Lebanese land. Lebanese officials and other countries are very concerned.
Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel on March 2. This started the fighting. Israel has been bombing bridges and houses in southern Lebanon. Some think this fighting has pulled Lebanon into a bigger conflict. This conflict might have started when the US and Israel began actions against Iran. Israel says the area south of the Litani River is a main Hezbollah area. The Litani River is about 30 kilometers from the border. Israel has told people to leave this area. They say this is needed to stop Hezbollah.
Minister Smotrich's idea is not the only one. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, also suggested problems for Lebanon if Hezbollah was not stopped. Smotrich said clearly, "the new Israeli border must be the Litani." He also said the fighting must end with a "different reality." This means stopping Hezbollah and changing Israel's borders.
This plan is very important for Lebanon. Lebanon has a history of Israeli invasions. The recent fighting has hurt many civilians. More than 1,000 people have died. Over 1.2 million people have left their homes. The United Nations is worried. They say attacks on homes might be war crimes. Lebanon wants other countries to help stop the fighting. President Joseph Aoun wants to talk directly. However, Smotrich's clear wish for land makes the situation more dangerous. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not reply quickly.