Israel strikes Beirut and orders south Lebanon evacuation as conflict mounts
Israel Launches Beirut Strikes and Orders Southern Lebanon Evacuation Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli forces have intensified their actions in southern Lebanon, issuing a broad displacement directive for residents within 25 miles of the border while targeting central Beirut. A military spokesperson announced the order, urging people to move north of the Zahrani River “for their safety,” prior to launching a bombing campaign against Hezbollah positions.
The directive spans multiple Lebanese cities, including Nabatieh, and numerous villages. The IDF also issued a specific evacuation order for a central Beirut neighborhood near a row of restaurants, indicating that a building there would be struck. This follows earlier evacuations for areas south of the Litani River and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Over the past 10 days, nearly a million people have been internally displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
“Where can I go?” asked Hamza Zbeeb, a 48-year-old from Nimiriya, a village included in the order. “Many people have gone to Beirut and returned because there’s nowhere to stay. I don’t want to be on the streets.”
Hours later, Israeli airstrikes destroyed two buildings in central Beirut. One of the structures was adjacent to a shelter housing displaced families, drawing crowds to the main square. The other target was close to the prime minister’s office, UN agencies, and foreign embassies.
Hezbollah’s most aggressive attacks on Israel yet, launched Wednesday night, prompted Israel’s swift response. The group fired rockets and drone swarms, injuring two individuals, with most projectiles intercepted or landing in open areas. It continued striking northern Israel on Thursday, triggering warning sirens in Safed and nearby towns.
Israel retaliated by bombarding Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, intensifying the conflict. The strikes, which lasted into Thursday afternoon, caused periodic explosions that rattled the capital. This exchange marked the most severe phase in the 10-day war, as Hezbollah and Iran coordinated their first joint operation.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that the “integrated operation” involved a missile strike from Iran alongside Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks. The statement added that Hezbollah launched over 200 projectiles into Israeli territory, including military bases in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba.
“Last night was a bit crazy,” said Daniel Dorfman, 43, from Metula, a town near Lebanon. “I don’t get anxious usually, but all the walls were shaking. It’s a little frightening. Here we get zero warning of
