Following the Israeli Army incursion in southern Lebanon at dawn on Tuesday, many southern areas were subjected to airstrikes, such as Kfar Tebnit, Majdal Selm, Tulin, Arzi, Kharaib, Khiam, and Bint Jbeil.
On the Ground
According to security sources cited by LBC, no Israeli ground violation has been recorded since yesterday evening until now, with shelling and raids recorded, especially in the direction of Khiam, Wazzani, and Kfar Kila. The Israeli Army announced having conducted targeted raids along the northern border.
The Al-Sirat Cultural Channel headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs was also hit, marking the first attack on a Lebanese media institution during this conflict.
In Daoudiya, an airstrike killed 10 family members.
Artillery fire and intense machine-gun activity persisted near Naqoura and Alma al-Shaab, with a raid leading to the destruction of a building in Arab Salim.
However, significant displacement was recorded from Marjaayoun after the area south of the Litani river was declared a military zone.
In the Beqaa Valley, Israeli airstrikes targeted Mashghara, killing eight people in an ambulance center.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed 59 deaths and 65 injuries in the southern and Beqaa provinces in the last 24 hours. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors, particularly in villages like Badias.
The Israeli Army
Israeli Army spokesperson Avichai Adrai issued a warning to southern Lebanon’s residents via X (formerly Twitter), urging them to “avoid traveling by vehicle south of the Litani River.” However, significant civilian displacement was recorded leaving Marjaayoun after the area south of the Litani river was declared a military zone.
This came after the Israeli Cabinet approved a limited ground invasion involving troops from the 98th Division. Israeli officials warned that the operation may be “more complex than the recent Gaza incursion.”
The spokesperson later on during the day issued another warning urging residents of multiple villages in South Lebanon, including Yaroun, Ain Ebel, Maroun Al-Ras, Tyre, Haddatha, Aita El Jabal, Jmaijmeh, Toulin, Deir Aames, Borj Qalaouiye, Biyyadah, Zebqine, Jbal El Botm, Srebbine, Chaaitiyeh, Knisseh, Hanniyeh, Maarakeh, Ghandouriyeh, Deir Qanoun, Malkiyet El Sahel, Borj El Chemali, Ebel El Saqi, Srifa, Deir Qanoun En Nahr, Abbasiyyeh, Rachidiyeh, Bint Jbeil, and Aitaroun.
The communication urges individuals to “immediately evacuate their residences and relocate north of the Awali River for their safety.”
While asserting that “Hezbollah’s actions in the area necessitate military intervention, the Israeli army maintains that the primary aim is not to harm civilians.”
The military cautioned that “individuals in proximity to Hezbollah combatants, structures, or weapon storage facilities are endangering their own lives.”
Moreover, the advisory discouraged any movements towards the south, emphasizing that such actions could jeopardize lives. Residents have been assured that they will receive notification when it is safe to return to their homes.
Hezbollah
For its part, Hezbollah attacked Israeli soldiers in Avivim and launched strikes on Israeli positions in Metulla, further escalating the conflict. The Israeli Army announced having intercepted 8 missiles coming from Lebanon and aimed at Safad.
The Lebanese Army denied rumors of withdrawal from the south, clarifying that they are repositioning their units.
