JERUSALEM: Israel’s military has issued new evacuation warnings for multiple villages in southern Lebanon, including areas beyond its current zone of control, despite an existing ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities with Hezbollah.
In a statement shared on social media, military spokesman Avichay Adraee urged residents to leave immediately. “For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the villages and towns by at least 1,000 metres into open areas,” he said.
The warning applies to more than 10 towns and villages, including several located in the Nabatieh district, north of the Litani River. Israeli forces are currently stationed south of the river, within what is often referred to as the “Yellow Line” zone.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli air strikes followed the warnings, hitting several locations across southern Lebanon, including areas not specifically mentioned in the evacuation notice.
Yellow Line
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been in place since April 17, aimed at pausing weeks of conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. However, tensions remain high, with both sides continuing military activity.
Earlier this week, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir warned that operations could extend further.
“Any threat, anywhere, against our communities or our forces — including beyond the Yellow Line and north of the Litani — will be eliminated,” he said.
Recent drone attacks have also heightened concerns, with Hezbollah reportedly deploying fibre-optic controlled drones that are difficult to intercept.
The United States has called for direct peace talks, but Lebanon’s leadership has insisted that full implementation of the ceasefire must come first.
