Escalating Tensions: Israel's Warning to Lebanese Citizens Amid Heavy Fighting with Hezbollah
Israel has issued a stern warning to Lebanese citizens, advising them against traveling south of the Litani River amid escalating clashes with the Shiite group Hezbollah. According to Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli Army, intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah is reportedly leveraging the civilian population as human shields to execute attacks. In a post on the social media platform X, Adraee emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents not to transport vehicles from the northern region down to the southern area of the Litani River until further notice.
Israel confirmed the presence of its soldiers in Lebanese territory conducting targeted incursions aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure, following weeks of warnings about the potential for conflict escalation. However, Adraee refrained from disclosing further specifics regarding the operations.
In response to these developments, Hezbollah has announced that it has initiated its attacks for the first time since Israel commenced its ground offensive early Tuesday morning. While direct confrontations on Lebanese soil have yet to be substantiated, Hezbollah reported launching artillery strikes and a barrage of rockets aimed at Israeli troops stationed in Metula, a town in northern Israel that had been designated a closed military zone by Israeli authorities prior.
The Israeli Army confirmed detecting approximately fifteen projectile launches overnight, noting that seven of these were successfully intercepted, while the remaining struck unpopulated areas, resulting in no reported casualties.
The ground offensive follows a week marked by vigorous airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut, recognized as Hezbollah's strongholds within the country. According to statements from the Israeli military, these targeted incursions are being executed by specialized units including the 98th Paratroopers Division and the 7th Armored Brigade. After several months of combat operations in the Gaza Strip, these forces have shifted their focus northward, adapting their strategies to effectively engage in the complex terrain of Lebanon.
As the situation unfolds, both sides appear poised for further military actions. The advisory from Israel to Lebanese citizens underscores the increasing risks faced by civilians in the conflict, placing them in the crosshairs of escalating hostilities. The international community watches closely as the potential for broader conflict continues to linger in the region.
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