Israel Issues Fresh Evacuation Warning for Lebanese Civilians, Expands Military Zone
Residents south of the Zahrani River have been told to flee immediately as Israeli forces intensify ground operations and air strikes in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military has issued another urgent warning to civilians in southern Lebanon, this time targeting everyone living south of the Zahrani River.
In a message posted on X, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee told residents to leave the area without delay and move north of the river. He warned that staying behind could put their lives and the lives of their family members at serious risk.
Adraee confirmed that Israeli air strikes are actively hitting the region and that ground troops are operating there with significant force.
This latest warning comes as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated again in early March. Since then, the Israeli military has repeatedly issued leave or die orders for Lebanese civilians, expanding the danger zone further north.
The evacuation area now stretches from the Litani River to zones beyond the Zahrani River, which lies roughly 40 kilometres or 25 miles north of the Israeli border. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, these military orders cover more than 1,470 square kilometres. That is about 568 square miles and equals roughly 14 percent of Lebanon’s total territory. More than 100 towns and villages are affected.
At the same time, Israeli ground forces are strengthening their positions in southern Lebanon. Officials have made no secret of their aim. They say the goal is to create a buffer zone inside Lebanese territory.
📎 Source
Source: Norwegian Refugee Council and statements from Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X
