Israel designated southern Lebanon

Beirut (dpa) — The Israeli military has declared large parts of southern Lebanon a “combat zone” and called on the population to flee.

All residents living south of the Zahrani River should head north to safety, a military spokesman announced in Arabic on the X platform on Wednesday. The Zahrani River runs approximately 40 kilometres north of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

In a video message, the spokesman said people should stay away from Hezbollah infrastructure. The Israeli military is preparing to take action against the Lebanese militia “with extreme force.”

People living in the Zahrani area were seen rushing in panic to leave.

Earlier, the Israeli military urged residents of the cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh, as well as surrounding areas, to evacuate.

Israel designated southern Lebanon

Eyewitnesses said panic broke out among the population and long traffic jams formed on roads leading towards the capital, Beirut.

Despite a ceasefire agreed between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued. Hezbollah is not party to the agreement and refuses to enter into negotiations with Israel.

The situation has recently escalated again, after Israel’s military said it would expand its operations in southern Lebanon. Israel still has troops on the ground in the neighbouring country and is engaged in ground battles with Hezbollah there.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Israeli military is permitted to take defensive action against imminent or ongoing attacks, but offensive operations on Lebanese territory are prohibited.