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 Kiryat Shmona, 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. The report did not specify the timeframe for these casualties. Israel has reported around 50 fatalities, including 20 soldiers lost inside Lebanon since ground operations began earlier this month.
Hezbollah claimed the Israeli military has failed to fully occupy any village along the frontlines, from Naqoura to Marwahin. Despite attempts to infiltrate southern neighbourhoods and plant explosives, Hezbollah fighters targeted advancing Israeli forces at Ras Naqoura, Hanita and the outskirts of Dhayra.
The second axis of confrontation, from Ramiyah to Rmeish, saw Israeli forces trying to capture Abu Labban heights, east of Aita Al-Shaab. Hezbollah reported heavy losses among Israeli troops in this area after fierce fighting last week.
