Israeli troops plant flag over wrecked 'Iran garden' in South Lebanon

Israeli troops invading South Lebanon planted their flag over a hilltop "Iran Garden" sponsored by the Islamic Republic which once hosted likenesses of top Iranian luminaries and a model of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock.

The apparent takeover of the heights in Maroun al-Ras village, relayed in video and pictures on social media on Tuesday, represents a symbolic setback for Iran as the Hezbollah group it backs has taken heavy blows in recent weeks.

The images show demolished structures on the terraced hillside including the ruins of the mock-up Islamic holy place which had previously been emblazoned with the "God is Great" Arabic insignia on Iran's flag.

The site also hosted children's play areas and family friendly observation decks and picnic spots. It was inaugurated by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a visit to the area in 2010.

Billboards of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had decorated the site along with a larger than life cut-out figure of slain senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani with a finger pointing toward Israel.

None appeared to be intact based on the social media imagery.

Israel has repeatedly killed top Hezbollah leaders in air strikes after maiming and killing hundreds of its rank and file members in explosions targeting their pagers and walkie talkies.

Over 1,000 Lebanese have been killed since Israel stepped up its attacks last month - a death toll that is already higher than that of a 34-day war the foes last fought in 2006.