In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli military has ordered residents in suburbs near Beirut, Lebanon, to evacuate as hostilities with Hezbollah intensify. This command comes as rocket fire from the group targets northern Israel, marking the first evacuation notice since a U.S.-brokered cease-fire was established months ago.
Israel Orders Evacuations Near Beirut Amid Rising Tensions
Israel Orders Evacuations Near Beirut Amid Rising Tensions
Residents near the Lebanese capital are ordered to evacuate for the first time since a cease-fire, as Israeli military strikes escalate tensions.
On March 28, 2025, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued the evacuation order for the densely populated Hadath neighborhood in Dahiya. "Anyone within roughly 300 yards of the marked building must evacuate immediately," the statement read, identifying it as close to "facilities" linked to Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militant group.
The recent conflict in the region was ignited by an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted Hezbollah to support its Palestinian ally by launching rockets and drones at Israeli targets. Following a ground invasion, both parties agreed to a cease-fire in November; however, Israel has continued to target suspected militant sites in southern Lebanon.
As air raid sirens blared in northern Israel on the morning of the evacuation order, the Israeli military disclosed that while one projectile was intercepted, another landed on Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has denied any role in this latest escalation, reaffirming its commitment to the cease-fire.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if the situation remains volatile in regions like Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee, Israel would retaliate against Beirut, stating: "It shall not be quiet in Beirut."
In Dahiya, the atmosphere turned chaotic as residents attempted to warn their neighbors of the impending danger. Elie Hachem, director of St. Therese Hospital located around 600 meters from the threatened building, noted that despite the panic and noise outside, staff had no plans to evacuate, instead focusing on keeping everyone calm amidst the looming threat.
As tensions flare up, the situation remains fluid. The region watches closely as developments unfold amidst the ever-present conflict dynamics between Israel, Hezbollah, and their respective allies.
The recent conflict in the region was ignited by an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted Hezbollah to support its Palestinian ally by launching rockets and drones at Israeli targets. Following a ground invasion, both parties agreed to a cease-fire in November; however, Israel has continued to target suspected militant sites in southern Lebanon.
As air raid sirens blared in northern Israel on the morning of the evacuation order, the Israeli military disclosed that while one projectile was intercepted, another landed on Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has denied any role in this latest escalation, reaffirming its commitment to the cease-fire.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if the situation remains volatile in regions like Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee, Israel would retaliate against Beirut, stating: "It shall not be quiet in Beirut."
In Dahiya, the atmosphere turned chaotic as residents attempted to warn their neighbors of the impending danger. Elie Hachem, director of St. Therese Hospital located around 600 meters from the threatened building, noted that despite the panic and noise outside, staff had no plans to evacuate, instead focusing on keeping everyone calm amidst the looming threat.
As tensions flare up, the situation remains fluid. The region watches closely as developments unfold amidst the ever-present conflict dynamics between Israel, Hezbollah, and their respective allies.
