Israeli forces have entered southern Lebanon, issuing evacuation orders for over 80 villages amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The militant group, backed by Iran, declares readiness for full-scale conflict following recent rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel.
Recent Strikes and Casualties
Early Monday, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes that killed 50 people in Lebanon, including seven children, a Palestinian militant, and a Hezbollah intelligence official in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Health Ministry revised the toll from an initial 52 to 40 before settling on 50. Additionally, 335 individuals sustained injuries, and tens of thousands fled their homes.
The UN refugee agency reports that 30,000 displaced people now shelter collectively, with many others sleeping in cars or roadside areas due to limited safe options.
Hezbollah’s Response and Infrastructure Hits
Hezbollah confirmed firing two salvos of rockets at northern Israel. Overnight Israeli airstrikes damaged a building housing the group’s television and radio stations. Tuesday afternoon brought unannounced strikes to Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah officials.
Evacuation Warnings and Military Advances
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, speaking in Arabic, urged residents of more than 80 southern Lebanese villages and towns to evacuate immediately and avoid returning until further notice. The Israeli army has deployed additional troops to strategic border points, enhancing forward defenses and security layers.
Lebanon’s National News Agency notes the Lebanese army is withdrawing from certain border positions. A Lebanese military official, speaking anonymously, confirms Israeli troops have advanced into several southern areas, prompting army repositioning. UNIFIL peacekeepers observed Israeli forays across the border, with troops later returning, though operations continue inside Lebanon.
Key Statements from Leaders
Senior Hezbollah official Mohamoud Komati stated that over a year of ceasefire restraint amid ongoing Israeli strikes has exhausted patience. “The Zionist enemy wanted an open war, which it has not stopped since the ceasefire agreement,” Komati said. “So let it be an open war.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, France, and Egypt that Hezbollah rockets originate from north of the Litani River, beyond the border zone under Lebanese army control.
Conflict Background
Tensions reignited a day after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, sparking Gaza hostilities. Low-level clashes evolved into full war in September 2024, prompting an Israeli ground invasion. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 led to withdrawal from most areas, but Israel retains five border positions and conducts near-daily strikes against Hezbollah rebuilding efforts.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 397 deaths from Israeli strikes post-ceasefire, prior to Hezbollah’s latest barrages.
