Israel's defense minister orders plans for possible evacuation of settlements near Lebanon

ANKARA

Israel’s defense minister ordered the Israeli army's Home Front Command on Sunday to prepare plans for the possible evacuation of settlements near Lebanon amid developments in fighting with the Palestinian group Hamas.

Yoav Gallant made the decision following an assessment session with his military commanders to follow up on the escalating situation with Gaza.

According to a statement by the Defense Ministry, Gallant hailed the army's efforts to evacuate Israelis from settlements and towns around Gaza and asked it to prepare for a possible similar measure in the northern areas near Lebanon.

He also instructed army commanders to equip security teams in towns and settlements near Gaza with weapons, ammunition and further troops.

Early on Sunday, the Israeli army and the Lebanese group Hezbollah exchanged very limited shelling in the border areas, but no causalities were reported on either side.

On Saturday, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saying the surprise attack on Israel was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 413 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”