Creating a new reality: Israeli strikes are hitting south Lebanon's Christian villages

Signs are mounting that Israel is seeking to establish a new demographic reality in southern Lebanon and deepen the buffer zone it aims to create through policies of displacement and destruction. Evacuation orders are expanding to include areas and villages known to not be aligned with Hezbollah, including those with predominantly Christian populations.

Southern villages with a majority Christian population were largely spared during the 2023–2024 conflict, with media outlets using local hotels as bases for reporters and photographers covering the southern front. This changed after some villages were targeted by Israeli airstrikes and included in evacuation warnings during a massive war on Lebanon in October 2024, resulting in extensive destruction.

Today, Israeli military operations have intensified airstrikes and increased ground invasions.

In the past hours, the town of Alma al-Shaab, the only predominantly Christian area in the western sector, was hit by Israeli bombardment. Sami Youssef al-Ghafri, a resident of the town, was killed, marking the first Christian Lebanese casualty since the start of the attacks.

Residents evacuated with the help of UNIFIL after Israeli warnings, though many continue to refuse to leave. They insist on returning and rebuilding their homes after the 2024 conflict despite widespread damage.

The town of Qulay'a in the Marjeyoun district, also predominantly Christian, was similarly targeted. The local parish priest, Pierre al-Rai, was killed yesterday. He had publicly opposed the war and affirmed his commitment to remain on the land, even to death.

Since Israel issued warnings to residents of all areas south of the Litani River to evacuate, a development unprecedented in the conflict with Hezbollah, residents of border villages, particularly Christians, have demanded protection from the Lebanese state and support from the Lebanese army, refusing to leave. They have also rung church bells to signal their attachment to the land.

In a Sunday sermon, Father Najib al-Ameel of the border town of Rmeish said, "We decided to stay on our land because we are attached to it and we love it. As the people of Rmeish, we remain united in every crisis. We would rather die here than be humiliated on roads in unknown places."

Calls are rising in border villages for enhanced Lebanese military presence, amid fears of armed infiltrators or Hezbollah elements using their land to launch rockets. Many municipalities have imposed strict measures for incoming displaced persons.

Political leaders have also spoken out. On Monday, 9 March, the head of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, MP Sami Gemayel, said he contacted army commander General Rudolf Heikal three times over four days, warning of the dangers of absent army forces in Qulay‘a, Marjeyoun, Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel. 

He noted that Hezbollah fighters entered a house, prompting an Israeli strike killing Father al-Rai.

Retired Brigadier General Anton Murad told The New Arab that the recent entry of some Hezbollah members into areas such as Alma al-Shaab and Qulay‘a does not fully explain the Israeli actions.

"In my view, the attacks and warnings aim to empty the area in preparation for a possible ground operation. Several indicators are emerging, such as points established recently by the Israeli army along the Naqoura line, Alma al-Shaab, reaching Hula and Kafr Kila, now under Israeli control," Murad said.

Murad said Qulay'a and Alma al-Shaab are key strategic points. Qulay'a leads to Shaqif and Nabatieh, while Alma al-Shaab links to the coastal axis at Naqoura and Tyre.

He added that further developments in the coming days could indicate larger-scale displacements, aligning with Israel's plan to empty the area.

He noted the current situation could spark internal tensions within border villages, though disruptive elements already exist, with efforts to counter them and Israel may also be seeking to inflame sectarian rhetoric.

"Currently, matters are at a critical point. There is no turning back. Israel will not accept compromise unless it neutralises Hezbollah militarily and ensures a compliant Lebanese state. The trajectory of events depends on Hezbollah's resistance," he said.

Today, Foreign Minister Youssef Raji discussed developments in Lebanon and the difficult conditions in southern border villages with Vatican Secretary of State Monsignor Paul Gallagher.

Raji requested "the Holy See to intervene to preserve the Christian presence in these villages, which have consistently relied on official state and military institutions."

Gallagher said, "The Vatican is engaging in all necessary diplomatic contacts to halt escalation in Lebanon and prevent displacement."

"Lebanon remains in the Pope's prayers," he added.

Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.