Israeli forces distributed leaflets over the southern Lebanese town of Mansouri on Friday, instructing residents to evacuate the area. This marks the first evacuation directive issued since the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, Lebanese state media.
Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon are engaged in discussions in Washington regarding a US-supported plan. This proposal involves Israeli forces transferring control of certain territories occupied during the conflict to the Lebanese army.
Prior to the resumption of talks this week, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to cease hostilities. However, Israeli troops remain stationed in what Israel terms a security buffer zone, intended to prevent attacks by the Iran-backed group.
Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence persists. On Friday, the Israeli military announced it had killed seven Hezbollah operatives allegedly active near the occupied zone, though this claim has not been independently confirmed.
A senior Lebanese military official noted that Mansouri was recently incorporated by Israel into its occupation zone. While farmers have continued to access the area, they have not been residing there, the official added.
An Israeli military spokesperson characterized the leaflet drop as a “reminder” to civilians that the area is within a security zone under Israeli military operations. The spokesperson emphasized that the notice aims to prevent harm to civilians by advising them to avoid the area.
Conversely, Lebanese authorities accuse Israeli forces of enforcing the northern boundary of the buffer zone by firing on anyone approaching it, including civilians and Lebanese soldiers.
Although the ceasefire has significantly reduced direct confrontations, tensions remain elevated. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violations as diplomatic efforts persist to establish a more durable resolution.
