BEIRUT

Israeli airstrikes Sunday targeted the strategic Qasmiyeh Bridge on the coastal highway in southern Lebanon, putting it out of service in a field escalation following threats to destroy bridges used by residents to cross the Litani River.

Israeli warplanes carried out three consecutive strikes on the bridge near the Burj Rahhal area according to an Anadolu correspondent, causing extensive damage and rendering it unusable.

The bridge suffered severe structural damage, with large sections nearly destroyed, while civilians were seen trying to find alternative routes to cross the river or detours to reach their towns in the south, the correspondent reported.

Field reports later indicated that the Lebanese army redeployed around the bridge area, while South Korean troops serving within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were also deployed nearby after evacuating a checkpoint previously set up on the crossing.

Israeli warplanes also carried out an additional strike targeting the Arzi bridge, a smaller branch of Qasmiyeh, following earlier threats, raising tensions in areas linking southern Litani with the cities of Tyre and Sidon.

Civil defense teams affiliated with the Islamic Risala Scouts warned civilians against crossing targeted bridges amid fears of further strikes, while local and international journalists gathered in the area to monitor developments.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, calling the targeting of vital infrastructure “a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” warning that it could serve as “a prelude to a ground invasion.”

He said the strike on the Qasmiyeh Bridge amounted to “collective punishment against civilians” and reflected attempts to sever geographic connectivity between southern areas and the rest of the country, describing it as part of efforts to impose a buffer zone and expand the Israeli military’s presence inside Lebanese territory

Humanitarian and economic impact

Sidon Mayor Mustafa Hijazi said the targeting of bridges represents “a new chapter of Israeli attacks on Lebanese infrastructure,” warning that such strikes are effectively fragmenting the south and isolating communities.

He said several towns and villages have been cut off, with serious repercussions on daily life, noting that access to essential supplies such as food and fuel has been disrupted or significantly delayed.

Hijazi added that the attacks send a broader message beyond limited military objectives, especially as Lebanon’s economic crisis limits the state’s ability to repair the damage

Residents defy risks

Despite the escalation, residents from southern towns expressed a determination to return to their homes.

Ali Abbas, a resident of Haris, said he was near the bridge when it was struck, adding that airstrikes would not deter them from returning.

“People are ready to take any alternative route — through orchards or along the riverbanks — to reach their villages,” he said.

Another resident, Hassan Khalifeh, said targeting bridges or even homes “will not force people to leave their land,” stressing their commitment to remain and continue attempting daily access despite the risks.

The Litani is Lebanon’s main river. It rises from a depression west of Baalbek district and flows through the Bekaa Valley between the mountains of Lebanon and the country’s eastern regions.

The river lies approximately 6-30 kilometers (3.73-18.6 miles) from the Lebanese-Israeli border (the Blue Line) and stretches for about 170 kilometers (105 miles). At its closest points—particularly in the eastern sector and Nabatieh district—it is about 4-6 kilometers (2.48-3.73 miles) from the border, while further west, the distance increases to around 28-30 kilometers (17.4-18.6 miles).

Seven bridges connect its two banks, including four main crossings: Qasmiyeh, Khardali, Qaqaiyat al-Jisr and Tayr Felsay, with Qasmiyeh being the largest. It also includes a smaller branch known as the Arzi bridge, which was struck Monday. Secondary crossings include the old Qasmiyeh Bridge, Al-Dalafa (Barghoz) and Zrariyeh.

With the exception of Khardali, where Israel targeted the access roads, the remaining crossings have been directly targeted by Israeli strikes.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.