Israel Escalates Campaign in Lebanon, Urges Civilians to Avoid Targets

Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have escalated significantly as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) focus on strategically targeting Hezbollah positions. The IDF has issued warnings to civilians residing near these areas, urging them to evacuate for their own safety.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari delivered a video message emphasizing the importance of civilian safety, advising those in Lebanese villages adjacent to Hezbollah installations, especially weapon storage sites, to leave immediately.

“This is an advanced warning for your own safety and the safety of your family,” said Hagari. He highlighted the impending “intensive, precise strikes” aimed at Hezbollah targets, noting that these targets are dispersed throughout Lebanon.

The Guardian reports that residents in Beirut and other regions received immediate evacuation alerts through text messages. CNN confirmed these communications, showcasing screenshots advising individuals to vacate areas known for storing Hezbollah weaponry.

Hagari has also accused Hezbollah of endangering Lebanese civilians, stressing the need for immediate action to avoid danger. Meanwhile, Nadav Shoshani, another IDF spokesperson, stated that since the onset of the Hamas attacks on Israeli territory on October 8, 2023, the military campaign has aimed to diminish Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Shoshani described the military operations as essential for two main goals: facilitating the return of Israeli civilians evacuated from northern Israel and restoring security along the northern border.

He further disclosed that the IDF has previously conducted “preemptive strikes” targeting rocket launchers and has been continuously focusing on key Hezbollah leadership.

Last week, a series of explosions in Lebanon resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries, with at least 37 reported dead. Hezbollah attributed these incidents to what they described as “employees of various Hezbollah units and institutions,” while Lebanese authorities have pointed fingers at Israel, although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility.

The situation worsened last Friday when an airstrike in a suburb of Beirut reportedly killed at least 45 individuals, including a senior Hezbollah figure along with civilians, according to statements by Lebanon’s health ministry and Hezbollah.

Israeli strikes persisted early Monday, with reports confirming that over 300 Hezbollah sites were targeted. Associated Press journalists noted intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon, further complicating the volatile situation.

Local Lebanese media indicated a significant strike in Hermel, located in northern Lebanon, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Recent attacks have led to approximately 100 deaths and about 400 injuries across Lebanon, with many victims being women and children.

The U.S. government has urged Israel to consider de-escalation, with President Joe Biden expressing concerns on Sunday. He stated that the U.S. is doing “everything we can” to avert a broader conflict in the Middle East.

Eugene Rogan, a professor of modern Middle Eastern history at the University of Oxford, expressed skepticism regarding the intentions behind Israel’s actions. In an email to Business Insider, he noted, “Whatever Israel intends by this string of attacks on Hezbollah, this is not what de-escalation looks like.” He articulated that the combination of bombings and targeted strikes may provoke a strong response from Hezbollah.

Rogan warned that the current trajectory could lead the region toward a significant escalation, suggesting that Lebanon is on the brink of an all-out war.

The ongoing conflict continues to raise alarms among international observers as they monitor developments in this volatile landscape.

Source: Business Insider