BEIRUT

The Israeli army destroyed a major bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Monday, in a move that could significantly disrupt movement between key areas in the south and the western Bekaa, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

According to the correspondent, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the Al-Dalafa Bridge, a vital crossing linking the Hasbaya and Marjayoun areas with Jezzine, the Chouf, and the western Bekaa. The strikes led to the complete destruction of the bridge and rendered it out of service.

The correspondent described the Al-Dalafa Bridge as a critical logistical route, serving as a major crossing over the Litani River and a vital link between southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa, making it strategically important during military operations.

Earlier Monday, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that the military would target the bridge, claiming the move was intended “to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment” to Hezbollah.

This marks the first direct Israeli threat to target the bridge, whose destruction is expected to have wide-reaching effects on mobility across the region.

The Litani River is crossed by seven bridges, four of which are main: Qasmiyeh, Khardali, Qaqaiyat al-Jisr, and Tayr Felsay. The Qasmiyeh Bridge is the largest, with a smaller branch called the Arzi Bridge that was also struck on Monday.

Other secondary crossings include the old Qasmiyeh Bridge, Al-Dalafa, and Zrariyeh. Israeli strikes have targeted most of these bridges, with the exception of Khardali, where access roads have instead been hit.

Observers say that targeting these crossings has effectively cut off connectivity between areas south of the Litani River and the rest of Lebanon, potentially isolating the southern theater of operations.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.

Lebanese authorities say at least 1,039 people have been killed and 2,876 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2.

The current escalation followed a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which has killed over 1,300 people since Feb. 28. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.