Israel expands Lebanon combat zone, threatening April ceasefire
New warning north of Zahrani River after 120+ strikes despite ceasefire deal.
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On Wednesday, Israel's military declared a new swathe of southern Lebanon a combat zone, ordering residents to evacuate north of the Zahrani River. The statement, posted on X, warns it will act 'with great force' against Hezbollah in the area. The Zahrani River runs about 40 km north of Israel's border, and the territory south of it spans approximately 2,000 sq km.
This escalation follows more than 120 Israeli strikes on Tuesday across southern and eastern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire announced on April 16. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said further action is needed to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah. Previously, Israel had ordered evacuations below the Litani River and issued individual evacuation orders for towns between the two rivers. The expanded combat zone imperils the fragile ceasefire and signals potential broader conflict.
- Israel's military declares area south of Zahrani River as combat zone (2,000 sq km).
- Over 120 strikes hit Lebanon on Tuesday, despite April 16 ceasefire.
- Evacuation order extends north from previous Litani River boundary by about 25 miles.
Why It Matters
Expanding combat zone risks wider war, endangering ceasefire and regional stability.