Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for large parts of southern Lebanon, declaring the areas combat zones ahead of fresh strikes against Hezbollah. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) urged residents to move north of the Zahrani River, about 40 km from the border. The IDF said it would act with extreme force, accusing Hezbollah of repeated ceasefire violations. It is the largest evacuation order since the ceasefire took effect on 17 April, covering about 14% of Lebanese territory.

 

Yesterday, Israel carried out strikes on the southern city of Tyre. Hezbollah, which itself accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, said its fighters had clashed with Israeli troops. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of its ground operation following Hezbollah drone attacks on troops occupying part of southern Lebanon and on civilians in northern Israel.

 

The IDF has issued nine evacuation warnings in the past 24 hours, fuelling fears of a major escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border and the prospect of renewed mass displacement.