Exclusive | Satellite images reveal extensive destruction in southern Lebanon
An analysis of satellite imagery shows that 74% of structures in 19 examined villages in southern Lebanon have been destroyed, with five villages nearly razed to the ground.
An analysis of satellite imagery reveals the extensive destruction in southern Lebanon. According to the findings, 74% of structures were destroyed in 19 villages examined. Five villages were completely destroyed, and in ten villages, more than 80% of the structures were demolished. The destruction is more severe in villages located in the border area.
During the current round of fighting, the IDF has systematically destroyed villages in southern Lebanon, particularly those closer to the border with Israel. According to an N12 assessment, at least 18,000 structures have been destroyed in southern Lebanese villages, with more than ten villages almost completely leveled.
According to an analysis of Planet Labs satellite imagery conducted by Adi Ben-Nun from the GIS Center at the Hebrew University for N12, approximately 18,000 structures were destroyed in the 19 villages examined — representing 74% of all structures in those areas. A structure was defined as destroyed if at least 30% of its area was damaged. In 18 of the 19 villages examined, more than 50% of the structures were destroyed. In five villages — Marwahin, Muhaibib, Maroun al-Ras, Blida, and Adaisseh — 99% of the structures or more were destroyed.
The satellite images show that a significant portion of the damage occurred during the current campaign against Hezbollah, though some villages also sustained damage during the previous round of fighting in 2024. Last week, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated:
"24 Lebanese villages, centuries old, that were used and acted as enemy outposts on behalf of Hezbollah, threatened our borders and residents and constantly provoked — we destroyed all the buildings. 15,000 to 20,000 houses. All 24 villages are destroyed."
