Lebanese army closing last bridge over Litani River after Israeli threat to target it

By AFP 8 April 2026, 8:58 pm

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A photograph taken on March 23, 2026, shows the Litani River and the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike that targeted the Qasmiyeh bridge, located on a main highway linking villages in the Tyre district with others further north, in southern Lebanon. (Kawnat HAJU / AFP)

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The Lebanese army announces that it was closing a vital bridge in southern Lebanon, after receiving an “Israeli threat to target it.”

This is the last bridge linking the north and south of the Litani River in the Tyre area, where thousands of families remain despite Israeli evacuation warnings.

Since the start of the war with Hezbollah on March 2, Israeli airstrikes have destroyed seven bridges over the Litani, which divides southern Lebanon into two parts. Israel accuses Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah of using the bridges for transport.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.