Israeli fighter jets struck the Dalafa Bridge twice Monday afternoon, targeting one of South Lebanon's most strategically significant crossings, a span over the Litani River that connects the districts of Hasbaya and Marjeyoun in the eastern border zone to the regions of Jezzine, Western Bekaa, Chouf and Sidon.
The strike is part of a systematic Israeli campaign to sever South Lebanon's connections to the rest of the country, following Defense Minister Israel Katz's order to destroy every bridge crossing the Litani River.
The Dalafa Bridge is no stranger to war. It was first destroyed during Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, then struck again during the July 2006 war. Monday's attack marks its third destruction in four decades, a grim testament to its enduring strategic importance.
Monday's strike was not an isolated incident. Earlier in the day, Israeli aircraft also targeted the Litani River near the Zrariyeh Bridge, hitting a section of highway already destroyed two days prior, as well as a crossing on the main road between Bourj Rahal and Arzi.
On Sunday, the Qasmiyeh Bridge on the coastal highway, a major artery between Sidon and Tyre, was struck twice.
The strikes aimed to prevent the transfer of Hezbollah reinforcements and weapons" into South Lebanon.