Israel Issues Evacuation Orders for 7 Lebanese Towns

Israel has issued evacuation orders for seven towns in southern Lebanon, north of the Litani River, as military operations intensify against Hezbollah despite a US-brokered ceasefire. The orders, announced on Sunday, mark the first such directives since the truce took effect on April 16, signaling a potential expansion of Israel's buffer zone beyond its current 5-to-10-kilometer depth into Lebanese territory.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated on social media that the evacuations were necessary because Hezbollah was violating the ceasefire through ongoing attacks. Residents were instructed to move north and west to avoid harm. The towns lie outside the area Israel has designated as a security buffer to protect its northern communities from rocket fire. Israeli forces have maintained positions in this zone since hostilities resumed on March 2, when Hezbollah began firing in support of regional allies.

Hezbollah rejected the accusations, describing its actions as legitimate responses to more than 500 alleged Israeli violations, including airstrikes and shelling. In a statement on Telegram, the group asserted that it was not bound by the ceasefire, which it had no role in...