Israeli troops entered southern Lebanon on Tuesday, issuing evacuation warnings to over 80 villages as the Iran-backed Hezbollah group threatened an “open war” with Israel following recent U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel led to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in the death of 50 individuals, including seven children, a Palestinian militant, and a Hezbollah intelligence official. Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine revised the death toll from 52 to 50, with 335 people wounded and tens of thousands displaced.
The UN refugee agency reported that 30,000 displaced individuals were in collective shelters in Lebanon, with many others seeking refuge in their cars or on roads due to the lack of safe accommodations. Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel while Israeli airstrikes damaged Hezbollah’s media facilities. Israeli military operations targeted Hezbollah officials in Beirut’s southern suburbs without prior notice.
Hezbollah officials stated that after abiding by a ceasefire for over a year amid Israeli attacks, the group’s patience had worn thin, leading to the decision to engage in open conflict with Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed several ambassadors that Hezbollah was firing rockets from areas beyond the Litani River, violating the agreed ceasefire boundaries.
Israeli forces reinforced their positions near the border with southern Lebanon, prompting the Lebanese army to adjust its border positions. The Israeli military’s spokesperson emphasized the troop movements were aimed at enhancing Israel’s defense system and ensuring border security. UN peacekeepers observed Israeli troops crossing the border into Lebanon with subsequent return movements.
The recent escalation followed the 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, triggering conflict in Gaza, which escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. Israeli forces withdrew from most of southern Lebanon after a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. in November 2024 but maintained control over specific border points. Ongoing Israeli strikes targeted southern Lebanon, alleging Hezbollah’s attempts to reestablish positions post-ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 397 fatalities in Israeli strikes post-ceasefire and prior to Hezbollah’s recent actions.