Israel’s defence minister has said a buffer zone will be set up inside southern Lebanon and that Israel will keep security control over a swathe of the territory even after the end of the current war against the armed group Hezbollah.

Katz said the area to be occupied would go up to the Litani River in southern Lebanon - about 30km (18.6 miles) from the border with Israel.

He also said all houses in Lebanese villages near the Israeli border would be demolished.

Lebanon’s Defence Minister Maj Gen Michel Menassa said Katz’s remarks reflected “a clear intention to impose a new occupation of Lebanese territory”. European nations, Canada and the UN also criticised Israel’s announcement.

Fuck’s sake.