Canada condemns Israeli plan to occupy southern Lebanon

OTTAWA - Canada's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Israeli plans to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, stressing that Lebanon's "sovereignty & territorial integrity must not be violated" in a post on X. 

“Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel must cease and they must disarm. Canada reiterates its solidarity with the government of Lebanon and its people,” it said.

We urge all parties to protect civilians, refrain from attacks on infrastructure, health workers, and peacekeepers, and act in accordance with international law,” it added.

The condemnation comes amid reports that Israeli forces are preparing for a major ground operation and potential long-term presence in southern Lebanon up to the Litani River — a move Israeli officials have described as necessary to create a security buffer against Hezbollah attacks. Israel last occupied parts of southern Lebanon for nearly two decades until its withdrawal in 2000.

Canada’s position aligns with growing international concern over the risk of a wider escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border. While acknowledging Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel, Ottawa emphasised that any Israeli occupation would breach international law and called for an immediate de-escalation.

The statement also expressed explicit “solidarity with the government of Lebanon and its people,” signalling Canada’s support for Beirut’s sovereignty at a time when the country is already grappling with severe economic and political challenges.

This marks one of the firmest public positions taken by a Western government against the reported Israeli buffer-zone plan. France has similarly urged Israel to halt preparations for occupation, according to diplomatic sources.