What's behind Israeli attacks along Lebanon's Litani River?

Key Points:

• The 145-kilometer Litani River in Lebanon has become a focal point in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israel seeking to establish the river as a new border to create a defensive buffer zone.
• Hezbollah, backed by Iran and designated a terrorist group by several countries, has launched drone and rocket attacks on Israel in retaliation for recent airstrikes targeting Iran, leading to heavy casualties and displacement in Lebanon.
• Israel has destroyed numerous bridges to cut Hezbollah's supply routes and urged civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River for safety.
• The UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, established in 1978 to maintain a buffer zone between Lebanon and Israel, is set to expire at the end of 2026 amid reduced funding and political pressure, raising concerns about increased instability in the region.
• Historical context includes Israel's 1978 Operation Litani and subsequent UN resolutions requiring Hezbollah to withdraw behind the river, but accusations persist that peacekeepers have failed to enforce this, complicating the current conflict dynamics.