Israel deployed its troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday, advising over 80 villages’ residents to evacuate amid escalating tensions with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. This move followed Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and drone launches towards northern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that resulted in 50 fatalities in Lebanon, including children and a Palestinian militant. The death toll was initially reported as 52 but was later revised to 50. Lebanon also reported 335 injuries and tens of thousands displaced.
Hezbollah declared its readiness for an “open war” with Israel, firing rockets while Israeli airstrikes damaged a building housing Hezbollah’s media outlets. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah officials in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with additional troops positioned near the border. A senior Hezbollah official stated that after enduring ongoing Israeli strikes, the group’s patience wore thin, leading to a decision to engage in conflict.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed foreign ambassadors that Hezbollah had been launching rockets from unauthorized areas, prompting the Lebanese army to evacuate some border positions. The Israeli military confirmed its troop movements in southern Lebanon to enhance defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the UN peacekeeping force observed Israeli incursions into Lebanon, with uncertain troop numbers remaining in the region.
Hezbollah’s recent attacks followed a previous conflict triggered by a Hamas-led assault in southern Israel, leading to a full-scale war in September 2024. Despite a ceasefire brokered by the US in November 2024, Israel maintained a military presence along the Lebanese border, conducting periodic strikes to counter Hezbollah’s activities. Lebanon reported a total of 397 casualties from Israeli strikes post-ceasefire leading up to the recent hostilities.