The Israeli military has destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Education and Higher Education Minister, Rima Karami. In a statement reported by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, Karami accused Israeli forces of looting the schools before demolishing them with explosives, reducing the buildings to “piles of ashes.”

The recent demolitions add to the mounting destruction of educational facilities amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict intensified in March 2026 following months of cross-border exchanges that began after the onset of fighting in Gaza in October 2023. Israel has stated that its military actions are aimed at Hezbollah targets.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported in June that 17 schools in Lebanon had been destroyed and more than 100 damaged since the escalation of hostilities. With the latest attacks, the number of destroyed schools in Lebanon has reached at least 20. UNESCO also estimates that approximately 500,000 Lebanese children remain out of school due to the conflict.

Beyond educational institutions, Israel has demolished over 11,000 buildings in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. The destruction of civilian infrastructure has contributed to widespread disruption and hardship for communities in the region.