Israel will occupy a 10% swathe of southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River, marking a significant shift in territorial control. The move is aimed at addressing security concerns and comes amid a widening war in the region. The occupation will see Israeli forces control key bridges and the security zone.

Israel will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, an area Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday described as a “security zone”, spelling out for the first time Israel’s intent to seize territory amounting to nearly a 10th of the country. At a meeting with the military chief of staff, Katz said Israeli forces would “control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” a river that meets the Mediterranean about 30km (20 miles) ‌north of Israel’s border. Lebanon’s...