Israeli forces push deeper into southern Lebanon, warn residents to leave

Israeli occupation forces have significantly expanded their military aggression in southern Lebanon, advancing deeper into territory north of the Litani River.

The occupation forces have also issued a new wave of displacement orders to residents in southern Lebanon, and escalated the war against the people of Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire agreement.

According to reports on Saturday, Israeli troops have pushed beyond the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh and Mayfadoun and are now positioned on the outskirts of Choukine, whose residents were ordered to evacuate on Friday.

The expanded offensive, which has been underway for several days, has intensified notably over the past 48 hours.

Israeli forces have also advanced northward along a strategic ridgeline overlooking the Litani River. The elevated terrain, which rises approximately 900 metres above sea level, overlooks the city of Marjayoun and the southeastern approaches to Nabatieh.

Further east, Israeli troops have reportedly moved north of the town of Dibbine, an area considered a stronghold of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

Israel claims the offensive is intended to push Hezbollah forces farther away from the border and reduce the “threat” posed by continued cross-border attacks targeting northern and central areas of Israeli territory.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military issued another forced displacement order on Friday, directing residents of six southern Lebanese villages -- Marwaniyah, Lubya, Midoun, Ansariyah, Zafta and Teffahta -- to immediately leave their homes and move north of the Zahrani River.

In a post on his X account, Israeli military Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee warned residents that remaining near Hezbollah personnel, facilities or military equipment would place their lives at risk.

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The latest evacuation notice marked the third displacement order issued by Israel in southern Lebanon on the same day. Earlier warnings were directed at residents of Jdeidet Ansar, Zrariyeh, Mazraat Kauthariyet el-Rez, Mashgharah, Mayfadoun, Choukine and Zebdine.

Despite a ceasefire intended to curb hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, tensions have continued to escalate. Ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, combined with Israel’s expanding ground attacks and repeated evacuation orders, have heightened concerns about a broader escalation in southern Lebanon.

Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was extended for 45 days.

Since March 2, Israel has been conducting an expanded offensive on Lebanon, killing more than 3,355 people, injuring over 10,100, and displacing over 1.6 million individuals.

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