JERUSALEM/BEIRUT – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had destroyed more than 60 villages and 23,000 homes in southern Lebanon, while renewing a threat to seize additional territory if Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack on Israel.

In a statement, Katz said Israel had occupied about 700 square km of southern Lebanon following its renewed military offensive against Hezbollah in March, forcing some 200,000 Shi’ite residents from the area. He referred to the Lebanese territory as an Israeli "security zone."

Katz claimed the destroyed villages and homes had served as Hezbollah military positions, adding that Israeli forces had also destroyed underground tunnels and other infrastructure.

He said Israeli forces were prepared to seize additional territory near Nabatieh and the Litani River if Hezbollah joined an Iranian attack on Israel.

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Katz said Israeli troops would not withdraw from the territory until Hezbollah was disarmed throughout Lebanon.

Separately, the Israeli military and Shin Bet domestic security agency said Tuesday that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City had killed Akram Bassam Shaaban Yassin, whom they identified as a senior official in Hamas' General Security apparatus.

The joint statement accused Yassin of planning attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and attempting to rebuild Hamas' military capabilities in violation of the ceasefire. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or information on other casualties from the strike.

Arab League chief: Israeli attacks ‘unacceptable’

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said on Tuesday that Israeli attacks and violations against residents in southern Lebanon were "unacceptable", calling for concrete Arab action to support Lebanon, strengthen state institutions and help residents return to their villages and homes.

Fahmy made the remarks during a tour of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah and Benoit Barakat Barracks in Tyre, accompanied by Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported.

Describing what he had witnessed as "distressing," Fahmy said the scenes reflected the gravity of conditions facing residents amid damage to residential areas, land seizures, and attempts to displace people.

Fahmy said supporting Lebanon was a political commitment by the Arab League and Arab countries, adding that the league would continue consultations with Lebanese authorities and work with them to support the government, people, and army.

He stressed that Arab positions should go beyond condemnation and be translated into practical, constructive steps, focusing on strengthening the Lebanese state's ability to provide services to citizens and enhancing the army's capabilities to protect the country and maintain stability.

The visit comes amid continued security and humanitarian challenges in southern Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have caused damage and displacement, prompting calls for greater Arab and international assistance and the reconstruction of affected areas.