Israel orders evacuation of 20 southern Lebanese towns amid intensified fighting

The Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation orders for residents of 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, directing civilians to move north of the Awali River as Israeli operations target Hezbollah‑linked positions. The orders cover municipalities in the Nabatieh Governorate and have forced thousands to seek shelter in schools and public buildings, with humanitarian agencies warning of limited transport and fuel.

Hezbollah responded with rocket barrages, drone attacks and the downing of Israeli aerial assets in the Bekaa and southern border areas, reporting dozens of Israeli soldiers injured and claiming several drone interceptions. Israeli air raids have also struck civilian areas, killing at least one person in Maarakeh and causing additional casualties in Deir al‑Zahrani.

Amid the escalation, the Lebanese army withdrew from a base in the village of Kfar Tebnit after Israeli troops advanced nearby, citing concerns over a strategic hill. The fighting continues despite a U.S.‑brokered ceasefire that remains fragile, while cultural volunteers in Lebanon organize efforts to protect libraries and historic archives threatened by the conflict.