Israel Is Destroying the Machinery South Lebanon Needs to Rebuild

In the rubble-strewn streets of southern Lebanon, residents like Mohammed Rizk sift through debris, holding up mobile phones displaying haunting before-and-after images of their homes. The stark contrast is a painful reminder of the destruction wrought by Israeli airstrikes throughout 2025, which have left countless families displaced and desperate for a way to rebuild their lives.

What Happened

The devastation in southern Lebanon is not just a matter of lost homes; it has obliterated the very machinery needed for reconstruction. Following a series of Israeli strikes in 2025, residents found themselves hesitant to use their construction equipment, fearing that its presence would attract further attacks. Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher for Human Rights Watch (HRW), highlighted this fear, noting that locals resorted to clearing debris by hand, a grueling process that could have been expedited with the proper machinery.

Reconstruction in this region requires more than just rebuilding homes; it necessitates clearing roads, restoring water networks, and ensuring that factories can supply necessary materials. Yet, HRW, UN peacekeepers, and aid workers have reported that Israeli attacks have systematically damaged these critical infrastructures, halting any progress toward recovery.

“We did see incidents in which construction equipment was unfortunately targeted, which made it difficult,” said Kandice Ardiel, a spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The fear of further strikes has created a cycle of destruction and paralysis, where even the most basic repairs become a daunting task.

Documented Destruction

A December 2025 investigation by HRW examined four specific Israeli attacks on heavy machinery showrooms and maintenance facilities, as well as a factory producing cement and asphalt. These strikes, occurring between August and October 2025, resulted in the destruction of over 360 pieces of construction equipment, an act HRW classified as apparent war crimes.

Despite the Israeli military's claims that the equipment supported Hezbollah's infrastructure, HRW found no evidence of military targets at or near the sites. Instead, they verified that many of the destroyed machines had civilian uses, crucial for rebuilding efforts. The Israeli military has not responded to inquiries regarding these claims, leaving many questions about accountability and the rationale behind these attacks.

As of October 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported that 23,000 homes and more than 60 villages had been destroyed, with a New York Times analysis indicating that Israeli forces had largely leveled 48 of the 60 villages in the area they occupy. This widespread destruction raises significant concerns about the long-term viability of recovery efforts.

Impact on Water Infrastructure

Beyond homes, critical infrastructure such as water sources has also been severely damaged, further complicating the return of displaced residents. Doctors Without Borders reported that attacks on water systems continued even after a ceasefire in April 2025. Local officials in Jabal Amel indicated that around 6,500 displaced families remain unable to return to their homes due to ongoing military restrictions.

Charlene Silvin, a project coordinator with Doctors Without Borders, led a team documenting the damage to water supplies across 20 towns in the Bint Jbeil area. “There was not one village on the road that was not hit in some capacity,” she noted, emphasizing the widespread nature of the destruction.

Access to water has become a pressing issue, with many villages relying on damaged boreholes that are difficult to reach due to military presence. Silvin's team found that essential components of the water infrastructure, such as storage tanks and filtration units, were offline, leaving residents without reliable access to clean water.

Temporary Solutions

In response to the water crisis, Doctors Without Borders has implemented temporary solutions, such as installing plastic tanks in municipalities like Yater. However, these measures are far from ideal. “It’s not a system,” Silvin remarked. “It’s a drop,” capturing the temporary nature of these fixes amidst a broader crisis.

The threat of renewed attacks shapes the repair landscape, with many hesitant to invest in long-term solutions. Silvin explained that anyone attempting to repair infrastructure does so with the fear that their efforts could be destroyed again shortly after completion. This has led to a reliance on temporary fixes rather than the robust infrastructure that communities desperately need.

Additionally, an October UN report indicated that municipalities struggle to maintain staff and resources necessary for repairs. Local water authorities have reported intimidation from Israeli forces, further complicating efforts to restore essential services. The combination of fear and lack of resources means that many communities remain in a state of limbo, unable to rebuild effectively.

Continuing Displacement

As of September 29, approximately 330,000 people remain internally displaced in Lebanon, according to UN estimates. This staggering number reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, with many families unable to return home due to the destruction of their communities and the ongoing threat of violence.

UNIFIL, which has been monitoring the situation, faces uncertainty as its mandate approaches its end on December 31, 2026. Discussions are ongoing about the future of the UN's role in the region, raising concerns about the continuity of documentation and support for displaced communities.

Ardiel described UNIFIL peacekeepers as “the impartial record keepers of what’s happening on the ground.” Their potential departure raises serious questions about how the ongoing challenges faced by residents will be addressed, especially as they seek to rebuild their lives and communities.

Looking Ahead

The path to recovery in southern Lebanon is fraught with obstacles, from the immediate need for reconstruction to the long-term rebuilding of trust and stability within the community. As families like Ghanem's continue to navigate the aftermath of destruction, the need for international support and intervention remains critical.

With the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the importance of committed partnerships among local organizations, international aid groups, and the Lebanese government will be pivotal in addressing the needs of displaced families. Rebuilding not just homes but also the social fabric of these communities will require sustained effort, understanding, and a commitment to peace.

As the world watches, the resilience of the people in southern Lebanon will be tested. Their ability to rebuild and recover will depend not just on the restoration of physical structures but also on the restoration of hope and community. The story of southern Lebanon is not just about destruction; it is about the enduring spirit of its people and their unwavering commitment to reclaiming their lives.