Unauthorized Leaflets Spark Tensions: Israel Urges Lebanon Border Evacuation

Israel’s military dropped leaflets over the Lebanese border village of Wazzani on Sunday, urging residents to evacuate due to cross-border fire from Hezbollah amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. However, the Israeli military confirmed that the leaflets were dropped without authorization from higher command, prompting an investigation into the incident.

The leaflets, written in Arabic, warned residents to leave their homes by 4:00 PM local time due to Hezbollah firing rockets from the area. They stated that anyone remaining after the deadline would be considered a terrorist. The call for evacuation, the first in 11 months of escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, affected both local residents and Syrian workers in the area.

Wazzani Mayor Ahmed al-Mohammed confirmed the leaflet drop and shared images of the warning, while Syrian families in the region began packing their belongings to evacuate. Some families moved a few kilometers north, though local farmers expressed reluctance to leave, citing livestock and land responsibilities.

The Israeli military spokeswoman said the leaflets were dropped by drone in response to rocket fire from the area but stressed that the decision was made independently by the 769 Brigade without approval from Northern Command. An investigation into the matter has been launched.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, with cross-border violence claiming hundreds of lives. Lebanon has reported 623 deaths, including civilians, while Israel has confirmed the deaths of 24 soldiers and 26 civilians.