Israel Urges Lebanese Citizens to Immediately Move Away from Hezbollah Sites

The Israeli army called on Lebanese residents on Monday to “immediately move away” from Hezbollah sites as it launched what it described as a preemptive strike.

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The already tense situation at the Lebanon-Israel border worsened following a large-scale Israeli operation against elements of the Lebanese group in midweek, followed by an airstrike on a meeting of the “Al-Radwan Force” leadership, which resulted in the assassination of Hezbollah’s elite force commanders.

In a press briefing, the Israeli army stated it was conducting intense airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon.

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The Israeli military spokesperson clarified that the army had begun shelling Hezbollah sites in Lebanon after detecting intentions to fire on Israel.

In response to a question about a possible ground incursion into Lebanon, the military spokesperson stated that the army would do whatever is necessary to restore security in northern Israel.

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The Lebanese National News Agency reported that “enemy warplanes launched more than 80 airstrikes starting at 6:30 AM (03:30 GMT) within half an hour, targeting areas and valleys in southern Lebanon, while conducting intense strikes on the Bekaa region at the same time.”

In recent hours, Hezbollah expanded its missile attacks on Israel, hitting new areas in the north of the country.

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Following the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation around Gaza and the start of Israel’s war on the territory, Hezbollah began targeting northern Israel, stating it was a “support front,” while avoiding breaking the established rules of engagement since the last confrontation with Israel in 2006.

However, the clashes escalated between the two sides as Israel announced its intention to return displaced northern residents to their areas, which it now sees as an additional objective of its war, which is nearing its first anniversary.

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Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli airstrikes hit Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, Hula, Taybeh, Khiam, Mahmoudiyah, and other cities in Lebanon.