Israel’s defense minister declared Monday that the nation would not withdraw from land seized in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, asserting a permanent claim over territories where native populations face displacement and economic collapse. This declaration coincides with reports detailing the systematic dismantling of the economy in the occupied West Bank, which is now confronting severe challenges.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel plans to remain “indefinitely” in the land it holds across Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. Over the past two and a half years, Israel has taken control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of territory in these areas, marking a significant territorial expansion.
Simultaneously, a separate report confirms that the economy in the occupied West Bank is being actively dismantled and is facing severe challenges. This economic dispossession directly impacts the indigenous population, undermining their ability to sustain livelihoods within their ancestral lands.
The Cost to Native Peoples
The declaration of indefinite occupation and the economic pressures are mirrored by the ongoing displacement and destruction faced by native Lebanese communities. The Lebanese army has issued calls for residents not to rush back to border villages, citing the danger of “Israeli violations and aggression.” Many Lebanese who had fled following Israeli evacuation orders and intense fighting are now attempting to return south to assess the state of their homes.
Celine Fayad, a native resident, was observed driving south, attempting to determine how far she could proceed. Her village, Aitaroun, located along the border with Israel, was among the first to be occupied and now lies in ruins, a testament to the cultural dispossession endured by local communities.
Ali Haidar, another native, was among the first to return to Nabatiyeh, a southern city central to the latest Israeli military operations. He reported that many central buildings in Nabatiyeh have been reduced to dust. Haidar stated, “This used to be our home, our childhood home where we have all of our memories. This is where we grew up. Now it’s gone. We will return to rubble and sand. It’s better than being displaced,” articulating the profound loss and resilience of the native working class.
Elite Consensus and Resistance
The broader regional context involves a firm alignment between powerful state actors. David Mencer, a spokesman in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, affirmed that Israel and the U.S. remain fully aligned on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He added that Israel will not tolerate attacks from Hezbollah on its territory and will continue to act against those who seek to harm its citizens, signaling an elite consensus on regional security that often bypasses local populations.
This alignment has been tested by recent escalations. Israel’s bombing of Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday nearly derailed negotiations, and a previous attack led Iran to fire on Israel, prompting Israel to fire back.
In its first public statement following a recent deal’s announcement, Hezbollah credited Iran with a “major achievement” in reaching the agreement. The militant group stated that the deal could lead to “the full liberation of our land, the return of our prisoners to their homeland and families,” and the reconstruction of war-devastated areas. Hezbollah also affirmed its commitment to resisting Israel “until full withdrawal is achieved,” highlighting the ongoing popular resistance against territorial occupation and cultural dispossession.