The Israeli military Wednesday has called for the immediate evacuation of residents in some two dozen villages in southern Lebanon, as tensions between the two states escalate.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned civilians living within an 18-mile radius in the south of Lebanon to move approximately 31 miles further north, beyond the Al-Awali River - which divides Lebanon into northern and southern regions.
"You must immediately move to the north of the Al-Awali River. Save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately,” said Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic spokesperson. No reason for the evacuation was provided by the invading Israeli forces.
The warnings come as Israel deploys additional military forces to southern Lebanon. Despite Israel’s claim that its operation is "limited, localised, and targeted," the arrival of the 36th Division signals a larger build-up. The division includes soldiers from the Golani Brigade, 188th Armored Brigade, and 6th Infantry Brigade, along with air force and artillery support.
The escalation follows days of intensified airstrikes by Israel, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. Over a thousand people have been killed, and nearly one million civilians have been displaced due to the bombardment.
Beirut is still recovering from Israeli air raids on its southern suburbs, Hezbollah’s power base. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in one of the airstrikes on Saturday. The 48-hour assault also claimed the lives of several top Hezbollah commanders and officials, as well as numerous civilians. Hezbollah has yet to schedule a funeral for Nasrallah.
Some Hezbollah supporters remain in disbelief. "It’s fabricated. There’s no proof that he’s dead."
With no clear successor in place for Hezbollah after the reported death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, and as the Israeli military escalates its operations, Lebanon’s future is uncertain. The consequences of this conflict are likely to affect not just Lebanon but the entire region.