IDF issues evacuation orders in Lebanon as operations against Hezbollah loom

The Israeli military has called on residents of several villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of planned operations targeting Hezbollah installations.

On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued warnings to residents of about twenty villages, primarily located in the Bint Jbeil and Marjeyoun districts, to leave immediately.

The affected villages include Houla, Meis el-Jabal, Blida, Mhaybib, Chakra, Baraachit, Majdel Selm, Qabrikha, Kounine, Beit Yahoun, Jmeijmé, Tir, Bani Hayane, Tamriyé, Touline, Deir Seriane, Qoussayr, Bafliyé, Jabal el-Adas, Bayad, Sarbine, Bourj Rahal, Aïn Baal, Rachidiyé, and Hanniyé. 

The Israeli army's Arab-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, took to X (formerly Twitter) to relay the evacuation orders.

"You must immediately evacuate your homes and move north of the Awali River," the message urged, directing residents to seek safety north of Saida, a coastal city in southern Lebanon.