IDF orders evacuations in 16 south Lebanon villages after Hezbollah drones land in Israel

After two Hezbollah drones fell inside Israeli territory, the IDF Arabic-language spokesman issued an evacuation warning on Sunday for residents of 16 villages in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon. The order did not include Beirut, despite the stated position by the prime minister and defense minister that any attack on Israel would be answered with a strike in the Dahieh district.

The evacuation notice named the affected localities as Arqay, Banaafoul, Jbaa, Jernaya, Lower Houmin, Upper Houmin, Kfar Bita, Kfar Melki, Kfar Fila, Kfar Shlal, Ain Bouswar, Gaza al-Nabatieh, Ain Qana, Arab al-Jall, Sarba al-Nabatieh and Rumin.

The spokesman said the order was being issued because Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire agreement. “In light of the ceasefire agreement being violated by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, the IDF is forced to act against it with force,” the statement said, adding, “The IDF does not intend to harm you.”

Residents were told to leave their homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away from the villages into open areas. The IDF also warned that anyone near Hezbollah elements, facilities or weapons was putting their life at risk.