Israel deployed troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday and issued evacuation warnings to residents in over 80 villages as tensions escalated following Hezbollah’s threats of an “open war” with Israel in the aftermath of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Hezbollah launched rockets and drones towards northern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of 50 individuals in Lebanon, including seven children, a Palestinian militant, and a Hezbollah intelligence official in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Lebanese Health Ministry initially reported 52 casualties, which was later revised to 50 by Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine.
Lebanon reported 335 injuries and massive displacement of tens of thousands. The UN refugee agency disclosed that around 30,000 displaced individuals sought refuge in collective shelters or slept in their vehicles due to the lack of safe accommodations.
Hezbollah confirmed firing rockets towards northern Israel, while Israeli airstrikes damaged a building hosting Hezbollah’s media outlets. Subsequently, Israel targeted Hezbollah officials in Beirut’s southern suburbs without prior notice.
Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, instructed residents in over 80 southern Lebanese villages and towns to evacuate immediately and refrain from returning until further notice.
A senior Hezbollah official expressed the group’s decision to engage in combat with Israel after enduring continuous Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun briefed ambassadors from several countries on Hezbollah’s rocket launches from areas north of the Litani River, breaching previously controlled zones.
The Israeli military reinforced its presence in southern Lebanon, positioning troops strategically near the border, while Lebanon’s National News Agency reported the Lebanese army’s relocation of some border positions.
UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, observed Israeli troops crossing the border and returning to Israel. The exact number of Israeli soldiers inside Lebanon remained unclear.
The recent hostilities follow a series of conflicts, including the 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, leading to the Gaza war and subsequent full-scale conflicts in 2024. Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon post a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 but retained control over specific border points. Ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have resulted in casualties in Lebanon post-ceasefire.
The situation remains tense as both sides show readiness for further escalation.
