Tel Aviv, Israel – On Sunday, the Israeli army issued an urgent and strongly worded warning to residents of 11 towns and villages deep in southern Lebanon, ordering them to evacuate their homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away to open areas. This indicates Tel Aviv’s intention to expand its air and ground military operations in the region.
The Israeli warning, published on the army spokesperson’s social media platforms, included residents of the following villages and towns: Doueir, Arab Salim, Sharqieh (Nabatieh), Jebchit, Baraachit, Srifa, Dounine, Breiqa, Qaqaiyat al-Jisr, Qasiba (Nabatieh), and Kfarsir. The Israeli army called on civilians to leave these areas and avoid returning until further notice, citing the need to ensure their safety.
Justifications for the operation and accusations of breach
The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that these movements are part of “concentrated military operations against Hezbollah,” justifying them by what he described as a “blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement” by the group.
In its official statement, the army warned that “anyone found near the group’s fighters, military installations, or weapons depots may find themselves in imminent danger,” emphasizing that the operations target the group’s combat infrastructure.
The reality on the ground and the continuation of airstrikes
On the ground, Israel continues to launch intensive airstrikes targeting various locations across southern Lebanon. These strikes often cross the lines established by recent understandings.
In a related development, Israeli forces continue to occupy a border strip inside Lebanese territory. They are carrying out widespread destruction of homes and facilities that they describe as “terrorist infrastructure” serving Hezbollah’s military operations.
These developments come amid a dire humanitarian situation, with thousands of residents fleeing targeted villages amid fears of a complete collapse of the fragile ceasefire agreement. Southern Lebanon could once again become an open battleground, threatening to escalate the conflict into wider areas. Meanwhile, the parties are trading accusations regarding responsibility for violating the agreements.
