Israeli Troops Advance in Southern Lebanon, Civilians Told to Evacuate

The Israel Defense Forces has ordered residents across southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes as fighting with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah intensifies.

According to Israeli military authorities, the evacuation warning was issued on Wednesday as troops expanded operations in southern Lebanon, with officials stating that the military would act “with extreme force” against Hezbollah positions.

The latest warning comes a day after fierce clashes were reported along a strategic river in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops reportedly pushed farther north toward the city of Nabatiyeh. Israeli forces are also said to have crossed the Litani River, a key area in the conflict zone.

Residents in cities including Tyre and Nabatiyeh were advised to leave immediately, with the Israeli military claiming Hezbollah fighters and military infrastructure were operating in the area.

The escalation marks one of the most serious developments since a ceasefire brokered in April. Despite the truce, near-daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah have continued in border communities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered an expansion of military operations against Hezbollah, citing growing drone and rocket attacks targeting northern Israel.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it would continue fighting until Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon. The group also claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli troops and border settlements.

Lebanon’s health authorities say the renewed violence has displaced more than one million people and left over 3,200 dead since hostilities resumed earlier this year.