As tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah rise, the Israeli army has issued new evacuation advisories across Lebanon, including sections of southern Beirut.
Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokeswoman, issued a Telegram statement urging residents of 50 sites, primarily in southern Lebanon, to leave immediately. “Urgent warning to the residents of Lebanon,” he said, urging those in the named areas to leave their houses “for your safety.”
In separate alerts, residents of the Beirut southern suburbs of Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik were told to avoid two specific buildings allegedly located near Hezbollah facilities. “The IDF will operate in the near future,” Adraee said, instructing people to move at least 300 metres away. A third warning later targeted a building in the Hadath neighbourhood.
The evacuation notices come after Israel vowed to intensify strikes and make Hezbollah pay a “heavy price” following rocket and drone attacks launched by the group. Hezbollah said the barrage was in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Lebanon’s government has since banned Hezbollah’s military and security activities. Israeli bombardments on Monday hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and dozens of villages in the south, killing at least 52 people and wounding 154, according to Lebanese authorities.
