Arabic version: إسرائيل تأمر بإجلاء السكان في جنوب لبنان

Israel has issued forced evacuation orders for residents in seven towns in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions with Hezbollah despite a US-brokered ceasefire. The Israeli military stated that the Lebanese armed group was violating the ceasefire and urged residents to relocate north and west.

According to Al Jazeera, the towns affected lie beyond what Israel has designated as a “buffer zone”—approximately 10 kilometers north of the border. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops have continued military operations in the area.

Hezbollah has denied accusations of breaching the ceasefire, claiming its actions are a legitimate response to ongoing Israeli violations. The group stated that it does not recognize the ceasefire, which it claims has been violated over 500 times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need to ensure security for Israel and its soldiers, noting that the military would respond to any ongoing threats. The recent escalation has led to multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanon, prompting many residents to flee to safer areas like Sidon and Tyre.

The conflict, which reignited on March 2, has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 2,509 people killed and 7,755 wounded due to Israeli attacks, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military continues to target what it describes as Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the region.