Israeli forces launched a heavy aerial assault on southern Lebanon on Thursday, ordering civilian evacuations in a move that signals a significant escalation and threatens to unravel a year-old ceasefire agreement.
The strikes, which caused one fatality and one injury, were justified by Israel as targeting Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild military capabilities in the region.
Colonel Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesperson, issued evacuation orders via social media for at least three southern Lebanese villages. These orders, given around 12:00 UTC, covered areas up to 24 kilometers (about 15 miles) from the Israeli border.
Residents were instructed to stay at least 500 meters from specified points. Lebanese civil defense units rushed to evacuate people as airstrikes commenced approximately an hour after the initial warnings.
Thick smoke billowed over the area following the bombardment, raising fears of a renewed major Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon.
Farid Nahnuoh, the mayor of Tyre Debba, described the situation as “extremely dangerous.” He warned that “any hope will be lost, and no one can predict the outcome” if the escalation persists.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrossian stated that Israel “will defend its borders on all fronts” and “will not allow Hezbollah to rearm or restore military capabilities.”
The recent bombardments come despite a ceasefire agreement enacted a year ago. That agreement was intended to end a prolonged conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army has spent months attempting to dismantle Hezbollah strongholds in the south. A Lebanese cabinet meeting was underway to discuss progress on disarming the group at the time of the attacks.
Hezbollah reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, affirming its “legitimate right to resist Israel.” The group denied obstructing the Lebanese army’s mission and stated it had not retaliated since the ceasefire took effect.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned Israel’s attacks as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This 2006 resolution aims to maintain peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.
UNIFIL called for an immediate halt to the Israeli offensive. It urged all parties in Lebanon to avoid retaliatory actions that could further escalate the conflict.
The Lebanese army denounced the attacks as a “destructive enemy act.” It stated the actions sought to undermine Lebanon’s stability and intensify damage in its southern region.
One reported target was a steel factory in Abbasiyeh, which was completely destroyed.
Ahmad Al-Qayyal, the factory owner, highlighted the direct human impact. “This shop helps 5-6 families earn a living,” he said. “We are blacksmiths, making chairs, tables, doors, windows. It has nothing to do with war.”
While Israel has conducted periodic strikes in southern Lebanon over the past year, this incident is one of the few times pre-emptive civilian evacuation orders were issued. Israeli leaders had previously threatened action if the Lebanese government failed to disarm Hezbollah.