In a swift escalation of tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation orders for 53 villages in southern Lebanon following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah. The militant group, based in Lebanon, entered the fray after reports of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s death amid Israeli and US strikes against Tehran.
Hezbollah’s rockets targeted Israeli positions, prompting a decisive response from the IDF. Military spokespersons confirmed precision strikes on dozens of Hezbollah terror sites across Lebanon, including command posts, infrastructure, and senior operatives in areas like Beirut and southern Lebanon. One notable strike hit a vehicle carrying two Radwan Force operatives near Kfar D’gel.
The IDF’s statement detailed operations on multiple fronts: targeting Iranian regime sites in central Tehran and hitting Hezbollah strongholds throughout Lebanon. At 01:04, Hezbollah fired rockets and UAVs from Lebanese territory, met immediately with Israeli counterstrikes.
Evacuation notices urge Lebanese civilians in the specified 53 villages to seek safety immediately, as IDF operations intensify. Preparations for such scenarios were in place under Operation Roaring Lion, bolstering forces in central and southern commands, securing Gaza’s Yellow Line, and reinforcing borders in Arava, Eliat, and Western Negev.
Israeli officials emphasize that preemptive planning ensured operational superiority, allowing rapid and robust retaliation while maintaining security. This development marks a critical phase in the regional conflict, with eyes on potential further escalations from Hezbollah and its backers.