IDF tells 22 south Lebanon villages to evacuate, warns not to return amid fighting

The Israeli military has ordered residents of 22 more southern Lebanese villages to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River, according to a statement.

It also warns residents of south Lebanon “not to return” to their homes as troops continue fighting Hezbollah in the area.

Israeli forces continue to “target Hezbollah posts in or near your villages,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee says on X. “For your own protection, do not return to your homes until further notice. Do not go south; anyone who goes south may put his life at risk.”

In a separate post, Adraee reiterates an earlier call for health workers and medical teams in southern Lebanon to avoid using ambulances, saying they are being used by Hezbollah fighters.

“We call on medical teams to avoid contact with Hezbollah members and not to cooperate with them,” he said.

“The IDF affirms that the necessary actions will be taken against any vehicle transporting armed individuals, regardless of its type.”