Israel strikes southern Lebanon after issuing a large-scale evacuation order covering all areas south of the Litani River. The escalation follows days of intensified bombardment and ground advances amid expanding confrontations with Hezbollah.
AFP reports indicate rapid military movements, expanding airstrikes and significant humanitarian displacement across Lebanese regions since Monday.
Israel strikes southern Lebanon and expands its military campaign
Evacuation order south of the Litani River
Israel’s military called on residents in the entire area south of the Litani River to evacuate immediately. The call, issued in Arabic, warned that Israeli operations would intensify against Hezbollah positions. The area spans hundreds of square kilometers and includes numerous civilian towns.
Ground forces advance into Lebanese towns
UNIFIL sources confirmed to AFP that Israeli forces entered several towns including Kfar Kila, Houla, Kfar Shouba, Yaroun and Khiam.
Khiam, located roughly six kilometers from the border, represents the deepest Israeli ground penetration since the start of the current escalation. Lebanese state media also reported continuous artillery shelling accompanying the advance.
Hezbollah operations and regional escalation
Hezbollah attacks following killing of Iran’s supreme leader
Hezbollah announced that its attacks on Israel began on Monday in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes over the weekend.
The group claimed strikes on targets including Haifa naval base and a defense company in central Israel.
Casualties and displacement in Lebanon
Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 50 people killed and 335 wounded since Monday. Overnight strikes added at least 11 more deaths.
More than 58,000 people have been displaced from areas under heavy bombardment.
Airstrikes intensify across Lebanese regions
Hotel strike in Hazmieh
For the first time, an Israeli strike hit the predominantly Christian Hazmieh district near the presidential palace and foreign embassies. A hotel was heavily damaged, with rooms destroyed and wounded people treated in the lobby.
Residents reported receiving evacuation voice messages before the attack.
Strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs
Repeated airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs where Hezbollah maintains significant presence. One strike hit a building near a major hospital, sending smoke over densely populated neighborhoods.
Casualties in Aramoun, Saadiyat and Baalbek
The health ministry said six people were killed and eight wounded in Aramoun and Saadiyat.
In Baalbek, a four-storey building was struck, killing five people and injuring 15, with three still missing. Rescue teams continue searching through rubble.
Israeli soldiers injured by anti-tank fire
The Israeli army confirmed two soldiers were moderately injured by Hezbollah anti-tank fire in southern Lebanon. Both were evacuated for medical treatment.
Conclusion:
The situation along the Lebanon-Israel border continues to deteriorate as Israeli strikes intensify and ground forces move deeper into Lebanese territory. With rising casualties and large-scale displacement, regional tensions remain high while diplomatic efforts lag behind the rapidly expanding conflict.
