Israel Orders Evacuations in Southern Lebanon as Ceasefire Collapses

Israel has ordered residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon to leave immediately, signalling that the fragile ceasefire has effectively collapsed. The evacuation warnings were issued for towns north of the Litani River an area where Israeli troops remain deployed and continue military operations despite the truce.

Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from across the border in northern Israel as the Israeli air force launched fresh strikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon. The sudden escalation has forced thousands of civilians to flee, with local authorities warning that the situation could deteriorate further.

The evacuation order came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his weekly cabinet meeting, suggesting that Israel’s actions were being carried out with the backing of the United States. He said Israel would continue to act against what it described as Hezbollah threats, despite the ceasefire framework.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has accused Israel of violating the truce and says its own attacks on Israeli positions are a response to ongoing military activity inside Lebanon. The group warned that resistance would continue as long as Israeli forces remain on Lebanese soil.

With bombardments intensifying and evacuation orders expanding, the ceasefire appears to be in tatters raising fears of a deeper and more destructive phase of the conflict.