Israel calls for evacuation of 23 villages in southern Lebanon

CAIRO - 1 October 2024: On Tuesday, the Israeli army issued an urgent call for the evacuation of residents from 23 villages in southern Lebanon, claiming that Hezbollah forces are operating in these areas, which are expected to be targeted by Israeli airstrikes.

The Israeli army spokesperson released a list of the villages that must be evacuated immediately. These villages include: Yaroun, Ain Ebel, Maroun al-RasTayr, Hadatha, Aita al-Jabal (Azat), Jmeijme, Toulene, Deir Amess, Burj Qaloueeh, Al-Biyada, Zibqin, Jabal al-Botm, Sarbin, Shaaytiyeh, Knesseh, Haniya, Maarakeh, Ghandourieh, Deir Qanoun Malikiyeh, Burj el-Shimali, Ibl el-Saqi, Sarifa, Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Al-Abbasiyah, Rashidiyeh, Bint Jbeil and Aytaroun.

The spokesperson warned, "Anyone near Hezbollah elements, their infrastructure, or weapons risks their life. Any house used by Hezbollah for military purposes will likely be targeted." He also cautioned Lebanese civilians to avoid staying in southern villages.

On Tuesday, Israel’s Channel 14, which is closely associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported that Hezbollah attempted to target the Mossad headquarters with four long-range missiles.

According to Yisrael Hayom, Hezbollah launched a guided missile at the Gilot base, part of Unit 8200 (Israeli military intelligence) and the Mossad headquarters located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. The newspaper also published an image showing missile debris falling in Ramat HaSharon, a suburb of Tel Aviv, after one of the missiles was intercepted.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel’s Channel 12 shared a video of a Hezbollah missile landing on Highway 6 in Kfar Saba, part of Greater Tel Aviv. One Israeli settler was injured, suffering moderate wounds from the missile barrage launched by Hezbollah.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority confirmed that three missiles were fired from Lebanon toward Greater Tel Aviv. The Israeli Fire Authority also reported a fire breaking out after a missile landed near Kfar Saba, north of Tel Aviv.

These developments highlight the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as missile exchanges intensify, putting civilians and military infrastructure at risk on both sides.

This situation underscores the urgent need for caution, as the threat of further strikes looms over both southern Lebanon and central Israel.