The Israeli army warned Lebanese civilians on Monday against returning to dozens of villages in the south of Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah’s activities in the area constituted a violation of the ceasefire.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on Friday between Israel and the pro-Iranian Islamist movement, thousands of displaced persons have started to return to some localities in the south as the Lebanese army began to reopen roads and bridges damaged by the strikes.
However, the Israeli army issued a new warning.
“Hezbollah continued its terrorist activities during the ceasefire, in violation of the agreement. As a result, Israeli forces remain deployed in the defense zone,” said the Arabic spokesperson for the army, Colonel Avichay Adraee.
“For your safety and that of your families, and until further notice, we urge you not to go to the south of the advanced defense line,” he added, referring to a line defining an area occupied by Israeli troops.
On Saturday, a Hezbollah official also urged residents to be cautious, warning them against premature return to the south.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated on Sunday that the army had been ordered to use “all its might” against any threat in Lebanon, even during the ceasefire.
He also stated that Israel would destroy suspected homes used by the pro-Iranian movement, as reports from the Lebanese official media mentioned ongoing demolitions.
The Israeli army also released a map showing its “advanced defense line” along with an area extending along the border with Lebanon, where they claim to be conducting operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and “prevent any direct threat to the northern towns of Israel.”
Bombings and Demolitions Despite the Ceasefire
Bombardments have continued in several localities in the south despite the ongoing ceasefire. The Israeli air force raided the village of Tiri in the Bint Jbeil area, while artillery fire targeted Wadi Slouqi and the village of Kounine. Other bombings were also reported in Houla.
Additionally, the Israeli army carried out demolition operations in the localities of Qantara (Marjayoun), Tayb, Chameh (Tyre), Kseir, Aadchit, Deir Syriane, and Bint Jbeil. In the Mays el-Jabal area, explosions targeted several homes in the Dbayeh sector west of the city. These operations continued throughout the day, accompanied by extensive demolition and leveling works.
Overall, Mays el-Jabal and several border villages in southern Lebanon are undergoing systematic destruction affecting homes, livelihoods, buildings, and infrastructure.
An unarmed Israeli drone crashed near Kfarchouba in the Hasbaya region, before being retrieved by the Lebanese army and transferred to a military site in Marjayoun.
Furthermore, the bodies of two missing persons were found inside their vehicle beneath the Qasmiyeh bridge, which was destroyed during a strike last Thursday.
From night to dawn, several residential buildings were also destroyed by explosions in the localities of Chamaa, Naqoura, and Bayada in the Tyre area. At dawn, an Israeli drone struck a home in Borj Qalaouiyeh.
With AFP
