Jerusalem, Israel. Israel’s military issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for seven towns in southern Lebanon, citing alleged ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it would continue attacks as long as Israel kept what it called ceasefire violations.
Evacuation orders beyond prior buffer zone
The Israeli military ordered residents to leave seven towns that lie beyond the “buffer zone” it had occupied before a ceasefire that has not fully halted hostilities. A military spokesperson said on X that Hezbollah was violating the ceasefire and that Israel would act against it, instructing residents to head north and west away from the towns.
The towns are north of the Litani River and the area of southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli troops, who have continued military operations despite the ceasefire.
Netanyahu cites security concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem that Israel’s actions were driven by security considerations, including the security of Israel, its soldiers, and its communities. He said Israel was acting according to rules agreed upon with the United States and with Lebanon.
Hezbollah rejects ceasefire restraint
Hezbollah said it would not cease attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon and on towns in northern Israel as long as Israel continued what it described as ceasefire violations. The group said it would not wait for diplomacy it called ineffective or rely on Lebanese authorities it said had failed to protect the country.
Drone interceptions and reported attacks
The Israeli military said it intercepted three drones before they crossed into Israeli territory after sirens sounded in northern Israel. Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli troops inside Lebanon and the rescue force sent to evacuate them.
Ceasefire status
The U.S.-mediated ceasefire began on April 16 and has been extended to mid-May. It has reduced hostilities significantly, though both sides have continued to fire at each other and have traded blame over breaches.
How do you expect the ceasefire extension to affect civilian safety in southern Lebanon and northern Israel?
