A recent wave of panic in southern Lebanon has been triggered by a series of alarming messages, causing widespread distress among residents. The source of these messages is unclear, but some are believed to have been “pranks” by local Lebanese citizens.
In Bazouriya, a WhatsApp message received just after midnight warned of an imminent Israeli army attack on a specific site, leading to an urgent evacuation facilitated by Civil Defense members from the Islamic Health Authority.
This disruption resulted in local schools closing and the postponement of end-of-year exams.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere.
Citizens reported receiving identical messages before the Israeli airstrike in Wadi Jilou last week. The attack led to the destruction of a three-story building, fires in nearby structures and four casualties.
In Srifa, an audio recording of a young man claiming he received a call from the Israeli army led to the evacuation of the Niha neighborhood. This turned out to be a prank by local youth, yet it caused significant alarm and logistical responses by local ambulance teams. In Ghandouriyeh, threatening letters purportedly from the Israeli army were found to have been sent from within Lebanon.
Furthermore, tensions on the southern borders escalated on Monday morning. In retaliation to Israel’s attacks on Hula and Shebaa, Hezbollah announced in a statement that it had targeted two buildings in the Manara settlement, causing casualties. Israeli media reported that Hezbollah’s actions caused significant distress among over 200,000 citizens in Acre and Krayot.
Israeli forces also targeted Hanin, Mays al-Jabal and Bint Jbeil with artillery shelling, alongside intense air raids on the outskirts of Wadi Hunin.
