Israel expands combat zone in southern Lebanon, threatening ceasefire
Israel's military declared a new swathe of southern Lebanon a combat zone on Wednesday, warning residents to move north of the Zahrani River and that it would act 'with great force' against Hezbollah. The Zahrani River runs about 40km north of the Israel-Lebanon border, covering roughly 2,000 sq km. This is the first such sweeping warning since the April 16 ceasefire. The statement, posted on X, signals further escalation after over 120 strikes hit Lebanon's south and east on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said further action was needed to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah. Previously, the military ordered evacuations below the Litani River and issued individual evacuation orders for towns between the Litani and Zahrani.
Key facts
- Israel declared a new combat zone in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
- Residents south of the Zahrani River were told to evacuate north.
- The Zahrani River is about 40km north of the Israel-Lebanon border.
- The area south of the river covers approximately 2,000 sq km.
- This is the first such sweeping warning since the April 16 ceasefire.
- Over 120 strikes hit Lebanon's south and east on Tuesday.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu cited protection of northern Israeli communities.
- Previous evacuation orders applied to areas below the Litani River.
Entities
Institutions
- Israeli military
- Hezbollah
Locations
- Lebanon
- southern Lebanon
- Zahrani River
- Litani River
- Israel
- northern Israel