Hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon have intensified sharply, as Israel declared large parts of southern Lebanon a combat zone amid ongoing clashes and airstrikes. The escalation comes despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that was initially declared in April and has since been extended twice, although Hezbollah—excluded from the ceasefire—has continued almost daily attacks and refused negotiations.

On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, including the areas around the southern city of Nabatiyeh and the Bekaa Valley. Lebanese security sources reported at least seven airstrikes near the ancient city of Baalbek. Lebanese authorities have confirmed at least 31 fatalities from Israeli strikes since Tuesday, though initial casualty figures from Wednesday airstrikes were not immediately available.

In response, the Israeli military reported multiple drone attacks launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering warning sirens in several northern communities. The Israeli army also detected “suspicious aerial objects” near its troops stationed in southern Lebanon and intercepted at least one. No Israeli injuries were reported.

The Israeli military stated that it struck more than 150 Hezbollah targets on Tuesday alone, focusing on areas around Tyre, Nabatiyeh, and the Bekaa Valley. On Wednesday evening, a military spokesman announced on social media that much of southern Lebanon had been designated a “combat zone” and urged civilians living south of the Zahrani River—roughly 40 kilometers north of the Lebanese-Israeli border—to evacuate northward for their safety. Residents were advised to avoid Hezbollah infrastructure as Israeli forces prepared to intensify operations against the militia “with extreme force.”

Earlier evacuation orders had already been issued for several southern Lebanese cities, including Tyre and Nabatiyeh. These directives sparked panic and severe traffic congestion on escape routes toward Beirut. In Tyre, local officials requested residents seek refuge in the city stadium due to overwhelmed emergency shelters.

Lebanese security analysts interpret Israel’s evacuation orders as an indication that the military may be preparing to broaden the scope of its campaign against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Hezbollah fighters reportedly engaged Israeli ground forces north of the Litani River, including areas near the “Yellow Line,” a mostly unofficial boundary located six to ten kilometers from the Israeli border. Israeli operations have reportedly extended beyond this line in recent fighting.

Recent reports suggest Hezbollah is utilizing advanced fibre-optic drones that are resistant to electronic jamming, as they are controlled via physical cables instead of radio frequencies. These drones have an operational range of up to 30 kilometers, raising new challenges for Israeli defenses. An Israeli government official told Channel 12 the military has so far been unable to effectively counter this technology.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Israeli military is allowed to conduct defensive actions against imminent or ongoing attacks but is prohibited from offensive operations inside Lebanese territory. Both sides have repeatedly accused one another of ceasefire violations, with the current surge highlighting the fragile and volatile nature of the agreement.