Israeli military issues evacuation orders for two Lebanese towns

The Israeli military issued warnings for residents of the Lebanese towns of Mlikh and Kfarhounah to leave their homes immediately ahead of planned operations against Hezbollah. The statement directed residents to move at least 1,000 metres from the villages.

Israeli forces carried out air raids on villages in southern Lebanon, including Biriqah in the Nabatieh district and the outskirts of Toul. The military said its air force intercepted three projectiles fired from Lebanon, two directed toward Israeli territory.

Casualties reported The Israeli military said one soldier was killed and three others wounded during recent combat in southern Lebanon. Sirens sounded in several areas of northern Israel following the reported launches. Lebanon’s president stated that the country faces difficult conditions because of the attacks and that efforts continue to end civilian suffering in the south while restoring state institutions.

Israeli officials told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that any withdrawal of forces from southern Lebanon would be gradual and tied to progress by the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah.