ISTANBUL

The Israeli army on Thursday renewed its warning for residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate areas south of the Litani River, including the cities of Tyre and Bint Jbeil, and move north of the river ahead of upcoming attacks.

The warning came as Tel Aviv escalates military actions against Lebanon since Monday, following the start of US-Israeli attacks on Iran on Saturday.

In a post on US social media platform X, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned all residents of southern Lebanon to “immediately move north of the Litani River.”

Adraee said the warning also includes residents of the cities of Tyre and Bint Jbeil and pledged to “act forcefully” against Hezbollah.

He warned that “anyone located near Hezbollah members, facilities or combat equipment puts their life at risk.”

Adraee expanded the warning to include any home he claimed was “used by Hezbollah for military purposes.”

On Wednesday, the Israeli army warned all residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately and head north of the Litani River.

In recent months, Israeli right-wing circles have called for occupying areas south of the Litani River and establishing a “security zone” there.

Hezbollah targeted a military site in northern Israel Monday with rockets and drones in response to ongoing attacks on Lebanon and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, after which Tel Aviv began a series of airstrikes on Lebanon.

While the Israeli military claims it targets Hezbollah infrastructure, the Lebanese National News Agency says many of the strikes hit civilians.

Israel has killed more than 4,000 people and injured about 17,000 others during its assault on Lebanon, which began in October 2023 and expanded into a full-scale war in September 2024.

Despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah since November 2024, Israel has continued to violate the truce almost daily, leaving hundreds killed and wounded.

*Writing by Lina Altawell