Israeli Military Warns Lebanese Border Communities Amid Ground Operations Against Hezbollah

The Israeli military has advised evacuations in Lebanese border areas as 'limited' ground operations against Hezbollah begin. The militant group denies Israeli troops have entered Lebanon. The situation raises questions about the extent of Israel's campaign. Both sides have traded heavy fire, escalating tensions and leading to significant casualties and displacement.

The Israeli military on Tuesday issued a warning for evacuations in nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities, coinciding with the commencement of 'limited' ground operations against Hezbollah. The militant group, however, denies Israeli forces have entered Lebanon.

Israel advised moving to areas north of the Awali River, about 60 kilometers from the border. This is farther than the Litani River, which marks a UN-established buffer zone following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. 'You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately,' stated Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson.

The escalating situation has already prompted anticipatory rocket attacks from Hezbollah, leading the Israeli army to enforce new public gathering restrictions and beach closures. An Associated Press reporter observed Israeli troops near the border but did not confirm if ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies.)