Thousands of people fled their homes in southern Lebanon on Friday after Israel issued forced evacuation orders for nine villages, including Anqoun, which was hosting at least 2,500 displaced individuals. The Israeli military said it would operate against Hezbollah targets in the area, prompting hundreds of families to leave. Roads to the city of Sidon were choked with cars as residents sought shelter.
Israeli airstrikes hit wide areas of south Lebanon, including Anqoun, while drone strikes targeted vehicles in the Nabatieh area. Airstrikes and artillery also pounded the town of Kfar Tebnit, near Beaufort Castle, which Israeli troops seized earlier this week. Israel has ordered evacuations for Nabatieh and surrounding towns as its forces advance further into the region.
The escalation came a day after Hezbollah rejected a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The militant group called the deal, which would have required it to stop firing while allowing Israel to continue airstrikes, tantamount to surrender. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Lebanon can no longer be a battleground for others.
Hezbollah attacked Israeli troops near Beaufort Castle with rocket barrages, according to a statement. The group has not been a direct party to negotiations, instead channeling positions through parliament speaker Nabih Berri. Berri said Hezbollah would withdraw from south of the Litani River only if Israeli troops left Lebanon and a ceasefire was unconditional.
Israel now occupies over 608 square kilometres of Lebanese territory. On Thursday, Israeli forces withdrew from the town of Dibbin, the first such pullout since the war began on 2 March. Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers entered the town on Friday to reopen roads and clear rubble. The withdrawal's link to a proposed 'pilot zones' plan remains unclear.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers he would not seek cabinet approval for the ceasefire proposal unless Hezbollah first agreed to its terms. Several ministers opposed the fragile truce, urging a formal vote. The US, with President Donald Trump invested in the talks, has linked the Lebanon ceasefire to broader negotiations with Iran.
