Hezbollah issued an evacuation order yesterday evening for Israeli settlers in 25 northern settlements, mirroring the occupation forces’ actions in Lebanon. The move follows widespread Israeli evacuation orders targeting areas including Beirut’s Southern Suburb, Southern Lebanon, the Bekaa, and parts of Tyre, with claims of Hezbollah military presence in civilian homes, reports Middle East Monitor.
Hezbollah stated that the settlements had become military outposts for Israeli forces attacking Lebanon, making them “legitimate military targets” for its air and missile forces. Settlers were told to “evacuate immediately,” as their settlements had become bases for the enemy military. A video issued by Hezbollah’s Military Media reiterated this warning.
The evacuation order named settlements such as KiryatShmona, Nahariya, Rosh Pina, and Katzrin. In response, municipal councils in the northern settlements decided against reopening schools, opting instead to continue education online.
Hezbollah also announced a record 48 military operations against Israel on Friday, surpassing the previous high of 39 earlier in the week, in what it described as a coordinated series of missile and drone attacks. These included successful strikes on six Merkava tanks, a Hummer military vehicle, and several bases.
According to Al-Mayadeen, citing the Lebanese resistance movement, Israeli forces have suffered more than 70 dead and 600 injured in the clashes, with significant equipment losses, including 28 Merkava tanks, four bulldozers, an armoured vehicle and a troop carrier.Additionally, three Hermes 450 drones and one Hermes 900 drone were reportedly downed.