Israel Calls for Evacuation in Lebanon as Clashes Escalate

JERUSALEM — The Israeli military issued a direct call for residents of Lebanon to evacuate homes and buildings housing Hezbollah weapons, citing imminent dangers. The escalation follows a dramatic exchange of fire on Sunday, with Hezbollah launching over 100 rockets into northern Israel, striking a wider area than previously seen in months of low-level conflict.

Israel responded with dozens of airstrikes on southern Lebanon early Monday. Residents of various villages in southern Lebanon shared images online depicting their hometowns under attack. The state-run National News Agency also reported strikes across multiple locations.

The Israeli military’s Arab-language spokesperson confirmed the air force was targeting Hezbollah sites throughout the country.

Recent tensions reached a peak on Friday when an Israeli airstrike in a Beirut suburb killed a high-ranking Hezbollah military commander, along with over a dozen other Hezbollah members and scores of civilians, including women and children.

Adding to the unrest, thousands of communication devices, primarily used by Hezbollah members, exploded across Lebanon last week, resulting in the deaths of 39 people and injuring nearly 3,000. While Lebanon accused Israel of the attacks, Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement.