The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has called on civilians in two dozen villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately as it intensifies operations targeting Hezbollah militants in the area. The warning, issued on Wednesday, follows a rocket barrage launched by Iran targeting Israel just a day earlier.
IDF Urges Lebanese Civilians to Evacuate
In a public statement shared on X, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, warned that Hezbollah’s activities are forcing the Israeli military to act. “The IDF does not wish to harm you. For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately,” he said. He emphasized that civilians near Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or weapons could be at risk.
The Israeli military plans to notify residents when it is safe for them to return. On Tuesday, a similar evacuation order was given to 28 villages in southern Lebanon, with IDF ground operations described as “limited, localized, and targeted raids” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the border.
Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Sites in Beirut
In addition to ground operations, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has launched a series of airstrikes across Beirut, targeting Hezbollah weapons production sites and other terrorist infrastructure. The airstrikes, which were conducted under the guidance of the Intelligence Directorate, are part of a broader effort to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities.
The IAF posted on X that efforts were made to minimize harm to civilians, including advance warnings to residents. However, the IDF highlighted that Hezbollah’s strategy of storing weaponry beneath residential buildings puts civilians at risk. “The terrorist organization Hezbollah places its production sites and means of warfare under residential buildings in the heart of Beirut,” the IAF noted in its statement.
In response to the escalating conflict, IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi discussed the situation with U.S. Central Command (Centcom) Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla. The IDF issued a statement acknowledging the cooperation between Israeli and U.S. forces before, during, and after the recent Iranian missile attack.
The collaboration is seen as crucial to maintaining regional stability and coordinating military responses. “The IDF expresses great appreciation for this cooperation and will continue to deepen its relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces,” the statement read.
Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the nation following the Iranian attack, asserting that Israel’s military capabilities would ensure victory. In a series of posts on X, Lapid emphasized the importance of Israel’s defense industries and international support, especially from allies like the United States.
“The response needs to be tough and send an unequivocal message to the terror axis in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran itself,” Lapid stated, promising that Iran would pay a “significant and heavy price” for its actions.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The situation remains tense as the IDF continues its military campaign against Hezbollah, while Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Both nations have issued warnings, signaling a potential for further violence as diplomatic efforts falter.