(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In an urgent matter of events, Israel urged civilians to evacuate Hezbollah bases in southern Lebanon ahead of what looks like its most widespread bombing operation since the current conflict began nearly a year ago.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it hit over 300 Hezbollah targets after military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari warned civilians to evacuate areas where Hezbollah is storing weapons and conducting combat operations.
Local media reported that Israel used text messages and radio to alert civilians about the upcoming strikes.
At the same time, Lebanese authorities claimed that Israeli strikes killed 182 people and injured 300, though these numbers have not been independently verified.
If confirmed, it would mark the deadliest day in the region since the October massacre.
In turn, Hezbollah responded, saying it fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli military post in Galilee.
After the initial bombing, the IDF warned civilians that the operation would soon extend to eastern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is reportedly planning further attacks.
“Get away from there, for the sake of your safety and security. Hezbollah intends to fire those munitions toward Israeli territory, and we will not allow this,” Hagari said in a televised address.
Furthermore, warnings to civilians have been a key part of Israel’s military strategy since its war with Hamas began after the October 7 civilian massacre.
The IDF frequently warns Gaza civilians to evacuate certain areas and helps with humanitarian relocations to reduce casualties.
The latest strikes on Hezbollah came after a weekend of escalations between the two sides. Hezbollah fighters were injured by explosions from pagers and walkie-talkies, which are widely believed to be the work of Israeli intelligence.
In response, Hezbollah launched around 150 rockets into northern Israel over the weekend, many of which were intercepted.
On Friday, Israeli forces killed a top Hezbollah leader and 13 others in an airstrike on Beirut. Israel believes the strike prevented a Hezbollah plan to carry out an attack similar to Hamas’s October 7 massacre in northern Israel.
In addition, schools remain closed in parts of northern Israel, where civilians have evacuated due to ongoing rocket fire over the past months. Many businesses are also shuttered, except those within close proximity to fortified shelters.
Copyright 2024, GoRealNewsNow.com