The Rubble Doctrine: Inside Israel's new security policy in southern Lebanon

Key Points:

• El-Khiam, a former Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon near Israel's border, has been leveled by the IDF as part of Israel's new security doctrine following the October 7 attacks, aiming to prevent hostile forces from operating close to Israeli communities.
• The town was a strategic Hezbollah hub with extensive tunnels, command centers, and weapons caches embedded in civilian structures, used for attacks on Israeli border towns like Metula and Kfar Yuval.
• Israeli military officials emphasize a long-term presence in the area to ensure the security of northern residents, stating civilians will not be allowed to return until the Hezbollah threat is fully neutralized.
• The IDF's approach marks a shift from deterrence to proactive denial, demolishing enemy infrastructure on Israel’s doorstep to prevent future attacks, even at the cost of significant destruction and international criticism.
• Despite tactical challenges like drone surveillance, Israeli forces maintain operational confidence, employing both technological and traditional fieldcraft methods to manage threats and secure the northern border.