Tensions across southern Lebanon have sharply intensified after Israel declared all regions south of the Zahrani River as “combat zones,” warning civilians to evacuate immediately ahead of expanded military operations targeting Hezbollah positions.
The announcement marks one of the most serious escalations since the ceasefire agreement reached on April 17. The Zahrani River lies approximately 40 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border, and the warning has triggered widespread fear among families already displaced by months of conflict.
According to Israeli military statements shared on social media, residents were advised to move north of the river as operations against Hezbollah would continue “with great force.” At the same time, Israeli forces launched heavy raids across southern and eastern Lebanon, while Hezbollah fighters reportedly engaged in clashes with Israeli troops near areas identified by Israel as part of a “yellow line” operational zone.
The latest developments come during Eid al-Adha, a time usually marked by prayer, family gatherings, and celebration across the Muslim world. Instead, many Lebanese families found themselves fleeing homes, searching for safety, and struggling to find shelter as explosions echoed across cities and towns.
Israeli authorities earlier issued evacuation notices covering parts of Nabatieh and sections of the coastal city of Tyre. Witnesses reported large numbers of residents moving into safer neighbourhoods within Tyre, while local officials warned that emergency shelters had already reached capacity. Some authorities urged displaced civilians to relocate toward Beirut.
Lebanon’s National News Agency later confirmed multiple strikes on Tyre and nearby areas. Israeli forces stated the attacks were aimed at Hezbollah command centres. Additional airstrikes reportedly hit Nabatieh, causing extensive destruction in residential districts.
Lebanon’s army also announced that one of its soldiers was killed in an Israeli strike in the south, further highlighting the widening impact of the conflict beyond armed groups alone.
Israeli military chief Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Zamir stated that operations were being intensified to deliver stronger blows against Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed its members engaged Israeli troops in close combat near the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, just beyond the Israeli-declared operational boundary. The group also claimed responsibility for several drone attacks targeting Israeli positions near the border. Israeli officials later confirmed explosive drones had landed within Israeli territory, though no casualties were reported.
The humanitarian situation inside Lebanon continues to worsen. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the overall death toll since the conflict reignited on March 2 has risen to 3,269 people, including dozens killed following recent heavy strikes.
In Burj al-Shemali, rescue teams were seen recovering bodies from collapsed buildings surrounded by destroyed household belongings, rugs, and broken furniture. Local officials stated that at least 15 people were killed in a strike there earlier this week.
Attention is also shifting toward Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, where Israeli strikes have intensified in recent days, particularly around the town of Mashghara in West Bekaa. The region is considered strategically important because it connects Hezbollah strongholds between southern Lebanon and northern Bekaa.
Military analyst Hassan Jouni explained that West Bekaa serves as a critical movement corridor for Hezbollah fighters and may face additional attacks in the coming days. He also warned that Israeli operations could potentially expand deeper into northern Bekaa or even Beirut’s southern suburbs if tensions continue escalating.
Diplomatic efforts, however, are still underway. Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are expected to participate in talks at the Pentagon aimed at discussing ceasefire arrangements and broader security concerns.
According to military sources, the Lebanese delegation plans to stress the importance of an immediate ceasefire while presenting proposals focused on strengthening state authority and limiting weapons control to official national institutions.
As uncertainty grows, civilians across Lebanon remain caught between military escalation, political negotiations, and fears of a broader regional conflict that could reshape the Middle East once again.
