Israel Widens Military Campaign in Southern Lebanon, Forces Mass Evacuations
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel's army has initiated a major military operation, entering numerous towns and villages in southern Lebanon and ordering a mass civilian evacuation. The Israeli forces are reportedly retaliating against Hezbollah rocket attacks and are preparing to attack over 80 settlements in the region.
Background and Context
Tensions have been running high in the Middle East ever since the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, leading to Hezbollah's retaliatory rocket attacks on Israel. Israel's subsequent military response has raised fears of a repeat of the violent conflict of 2024. The Israeli government reportedly approved an attack on Lebanon hours before Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, according to Israel's Channel 12 News.
Key Developments
Israel's army has already taken control of five strategic positions beyond the border and has deployed the 146th Division to the region for the first time since May last year. The army has extended its incursion into Lebanon to seize additional positions, marking a broader expansion of Israel's military campaign across the region. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has authorized military operations to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has ordered approximately 200,000 residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of the planned attacks. The evacuation order covers the largest area since hostilities began and targets residents living south of the Litani River. The military has warned the residents that they are located near Hezbollah facilities and interests, against which the IDF plans to operate in the near future.
Implications and Reactions
The recent escalation has led to widespread displacement in southern Lebanon, with tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes. Lebanon's social affairs minister, Haneen Sayed, told Al Jazeera that about 65,000 people have already registered at shelters set up for those displaced by the attacks. She estimated that another 10,000 to 20,000 people have also been forced from their homes but are still travelling or staying temporarily with others while they register for assistance.
Hezbollah, on the other hand, has promised to confront the US and Israel over the killing of Khamenei and has claimed to have launched attacks on three Israeli military bases in retaliation for Israeli bombardment.
Current Status
As of now, Israel's military operation continues, with reports of Israeli forces entering several Lebanese villages and planning attacks on over 80 settlements in the region. Health officials have reported that Israeli attacks have killed over 30 people and wounded 149 more in Lebanon since the resumption of hostilities. Amid the escalating conflict, civilians are being displaced en masse, taking shelter in tents, parks, and cars, as they await the next developments in this unsettling conflict.