Israel has ordered the evacuation of residents from more than 50 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, warning of impending military action. The directive, issued Monday, requires people in the designated areas to move at least 1,000 meters away from their homes to open spaces, according to the Israeli military.
The list of affected communities includes Sarifa, Maaroub, Selaa (Tyre), Debaal, Bafliyeh, Barish, Arzoun, Qlayleh, Al-Shahabiya (Tayr Zibna), Dardghaya, Bastiyat, Arab Salim, Housh al-Rafqa, Yahmar (West Bekaa), Maydoun, Dalafi, Ain Qana, Knisseh, Mansouri (Tyre), Majdal Zoun, Mazraat Buyout al-Sayyad, Jabal al-Butm, Zibqin, Al-Samaya, Aytit, Qana, Al-Bayyada (Tyre), Deir Aames, Aita al-Jabal (al-Zout), Hanine (Bint Jbeil), Haris, Haddatha, Mahrouna, Beit Lif, Yater (Bint Jbeil), Shaqra, Houla, Baraachit, Bint Jbeil, Jmaijmeh, Aitaroun, Safad al-Battikh, Al-Bazourieh, Aaynata, Hanawiya, Jannata, Burj al-Shamali, Maarakeh, Siddiqine, Al-Majadel, Wadi Jilo, Drouiss (Baalbek), and Mais al-Jabal.
The evacuation order follows an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group. Earlier Monday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck targets in Beirut and across Lebanon in response to rocket fire from Lebanon, according to the Times of Israel. This exchange of fire represents a significant widening of the conflict following attacks linked to Iran, as reported by the BBC.
Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for the killing of a senior Hamas leader, reportedly in an Israeli strike, and has threatened to confront both the United States and Israel, Al Jazeera reported. The group’s statements suggest a potential broadening of the conflict’s scope and targets.
The Israeli military’s warning explicitly stated that anyone found near Hezbollah members, facilities, or military assets would be placing their life at risk. This suggests a focused military response targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel within southern Lebanon. The Guardian reported that the conflict is spreading to Lebanon, but did not provide further details on the Israeli military’s specific objectives beyond the evacuation order.
As of Monday afternoon GMT, there has been no official response from the Lebanese government regarding the evacuation order. The IDF has not specified a timeframe for potential military operations, leaving residents of the affected areas in a state of uncertainty.
