Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has declared that following the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, Israel will set up a security-buffer zone in southern Lebanon, including full control of the area up to the Litani River. This will involve demolishing all homes in nearby Lebanese villages to eliminate threats to northern Israel. The declaration has led to strong objections from Lebanon's government and the international community, labeling it as an intention to impose a new occupation. The situation is dire, with at least 1,238 people killed in Lebanon since the beginning of military actions in early March, and over a million displaced, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Critics blame Israel's actions for further destabilizing the region, as local leaders and human rights advocates express serious concerns about human rights violations and the potential for a large-scale humanitarian disaster.