Israel Issues Evacuation Orders in South Beirut

On November 17, 2024, Israel issued evacuation orders for residents in three southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting areas near Hezbollah facilities amidst escalating tensions following Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israeli military bases near Haifa. The evacuation warning, communicated by IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee, comes as Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling continue in southern Lebanon, particularly in the town of Khiam, following reported attacks that resulted in civilian injuries. The Israeli military has intensified its operations since late September, responding to a year of cross-border fire initiated by Hezbollah in support of Hamas. In the Palestinian territories, airstrikes have reportedly resulted in casualties, with 24 people killed in recent strikes. Israeli security services reported that flares were launched near Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence, marking a continued threat from Hezbollah. The Israeli military maintains its stance to pressure Hezbollah until displaced residents from northern Israel can safely return home.