Israel’s military operation in southern Lebanon has intensified as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes against Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, prompting the evacuation of civilian areas in al-Taybeh and Tayr Debba. The IDF claimed that the strikes targeted weapon storage facilities associated with Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, which it alleged was attempting to reestablish terror infrastructure in the region. These facilities, constructed within civilian-populated areas, were described as being used to exploit Lebanese civilians as human shields, a tactic the IDF condemned as cynical and brutal.
The operation follows a series of recent developments, including warnings from Israeli officials about Hezbollah’s continued threat. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah is still operating with a high degree of lethality, despite recent strikes. The IDF also accused the group of maintaining heavy weapons and receiving ongoing financial support from Iran, which it claimed is funding Hezbollah’s operations. The military has stated that its mission is to ensure that Hezbollah does not succeed in reestablishing its positions in the region.
In preparation for the strikes, the IDF urged residents of al-Taybeh and Tayr Debba to evacuate the area immediately, providing maps to indicate which zones would become dangerous for civilians. The military warned that residents located near buildings used by Hezbollah were required to stay at least 500 meters away from the sites. This evacuation order was part of a broader effort to protect civilians, as the IDF has been accused of using civilian areas for its operations.
The IDF’s actions have been accompanied by diplomatic overtures, including calls for the Lebanese government to fulfill its commitment to disarm Hezbollah. Israel has been pressuring Lebanon to take concrete steps against the militant group, which it claims remains fully armed and supported by Iran. The IDF has also been working with international allies, including the United States, which has been involved in recent operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities, such as the 12-day