ISTANBUL

The Israeli army threatened Saturday to target medical facilities and ambulances in Lebanon, claiming they are being used for military purposes by the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

The warning came hours after an Israeli strike targeted a healthcare center in southern Lebanon, killing 12 medical personnel, including doctors, paramedics, and nurses.

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee claimed in a statement that Hezbollah is making “extensive military use of ambulances” as part of its activities.

He warned that the army would target medical facilities and ambulances if Hezbollah does not stop using them for military purposes.

No immediate response from Hezbollah was reported.

Hezbollah began targeting Israeli military sites on March 2 in response to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran that killed then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, as well as Israeli attacks on Lebanon, despite a ceasefire reached in November 2024.

Israel expanded its campaign the same day with airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.

On March 3, Israel also launched a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon, along with the ongoing joint military campaign with the US against Iran that started on Feb 28.

Lebanese authorities said Thursday that Israel’s expanded attacks have killed 733 people, injured 1,933, and displaced 822,000.

* Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.