Israel expands attacks in southern Lebanon amid looming Iran ceasefire

Despite nearing a ceasefire agreement with Iran, Israel has intensified its attacks on southern Lebanon, indicating a refusal to retreat from occupied territories. Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic spokesperson, announced on social media that Israel had unilaterally ordered the evacuation of 15 Lebanese towns and villages, stating that Hezbollah's alleged ceasefire violations necessitated a strong response. He instructed residents to leave their homes immediately and move to open areas at least 1,000 meters away.

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Hezbollah violated the ceasefire agreement, so Israel has no choice but to respond strongly. Leave your homes immediately and move to open areas at least 1,000 meters away from the villages and towns.

These orders followed similar directives issued for 24 areas in southern Lebanon the previous day. The Israeli military claimed on Telegram to have bombed over 70 Hezbollah facilities in the past 24 hours, including "launchers" and "buildings." The attacks have not spared civilian infrastructure, leading to a surge in casualties. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported 45 deaths and 149 injuries in just 48 hours, bringing the total Lebanese death toll since the Israeli invasion began on March 2 to 3,756, with 11,632 injured.

Israel's primary targets include the coastal city of Tyre and the inland city of Nabatieh, which is north of the Beaufort Castle, reoccupied by Israel after 26 years. As Israeli ground forces advance, they are pushing back not only Hezbollah but also the Lebanese regular army. Local media reported that Lebanese soldiers withdrew from their positions in Kfar Tebnit, near Nabatieh, after being surrounded by Israeli forces. An Israeli drone attack also severely injured a Lebanese soldier traveling by motorcycle in the vicinity. Throughout the conflict, the Lebanese government has distanced itself from Hezbollah to hasten a ceasefire, and the Lebanese army has generally avoided direct clashes with Israel.

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Over the past 24 hours, we have bombed more than 70 Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon, destroying launchers and buildings.

Israel has stated it will not return occupied Lebanese land even if a US-Iran ceasefire is agreed upon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that Israel would not withdraw from "security zones" it controls in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He also asserted Israel's desire to maintain its "ability to act independently" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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We will not withdraw from the 'security zones' we control in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. We want to maintain our ability to act independently to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.