Original Source
Israel Expands Ground Invasion in Southern Lebanon, Cuts Off Main Beirut-Tyre Highway
Key Roads in Southern Lebanon Paralyzed
The Israeli military has expanded its ground invasion into southern Lebanon, cutting off the main highway connecting Beirut and Tyre. What was once a vital thoroughfare now shows no signs of life. A diversion to the coastal road has been necessitated, but Israeli strikes have rendered this route impassable as well. These attacks are severely disrupting daily life in the southern region.
Bridge Destruction and Infrastructure Attacks
Israel attacked the M51 highway on Sunday, having declared all bridges over and south of the Litani River as targets. The destruction of the Qasmiyeh bridge has cut off the easiest route to the western sector of southern Lebanon, making it difficult for people living in Tyre and southern villages to obtain food and medicine. Israel claims that Hezbollah used this route to bring in weapons and fighters. The Israeli military has been destroying infrastructure across southern Lebanon, including fuel stations, bridges, and even paramedic and health centers, which appears to be part of a strategy to depopulate the entire southern region.
Growing Isolation and Crisis for Residents
Despite Israeli evacuation orders, many residents remain in their homes. Residents like Abu Maher of El Qasmiyeh refuse to leave, stating it's their land and home, with nowhere else to go. More than a million people have been displaced and over 1,000 killed, and these numbers continue to climb. Israel states that fighting with Hezbollah is only just beginning, as it gradually isolates the south of Lebanon from the rest of the country.
*Source: YouTube: Al Jazeera English (2026-03-23)*
