The Israeli military has issued fresh evacuation orders across Lebanon, including areas in southern Beirut, as tensions escalate sharply between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
In a Telegram statement, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents of 50 locations, mostly in southern Lebanon, to leave immediately. “Urgent warning to the residents of Lebanon,” he wrote, instructing people in the listed villages to evacuate their homes “for your safety.”
Separate alerts targeted the southern Beirut suburbs of Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik, advising residents to steer clear of two buildings reportedly near Hezbollah facilities. “The IDF will operate soon,” Adraee said, instructing individuals to move at least 300 metres away. Later, a third warning focused on a building in the Hadath neighbourhood.
The evacuation directives follow Israel’s pledge to step up strikes and make Hezbollah pay a “heavy price” in response to rocket and drone attacks launched by the group. Hezbollah stated that its assault was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli operations.
In reaction, Lebanon’s government banned all Hezbollah military and security activities. Israeli airstrikes on Monday targeted southern Beirut suburbs and dozens of villages in the south, killing at least 52 people and injuring 154, according to Lebanese authorities.