Israel orders evacuations near Lebanon border

The Israeli military on Monday ordered evacuations of residents in northern Israel who live near the Lebanese border to state-funded guesthouses.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the plan was approved by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and will be implemented by local authorities. It will affect 28 communities within 2 kilometers — about 1.2 miles — from the border.

This comes as tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, and Israel have risen in recent days. Hezbollah has fired rockets numerous times at Israel, which has returned fire and struck multiple Hezbollah targets. The U.S. has labeled Hezbollah, like Hamas, a terrorist organization.

The IDF said Sunday that nine rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel, but Israel’s air defense intercepted five of them. It also confirmed it was striking the launch site in Lebanon as retaliation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it delivered medical supplies to Lebanon as a result of escalating violence, and it is preparing for more casualties.

“WHO reiterates its plea for the protection of civilians, health workers & health infrastructure and ultimately for an end to hostilities and violence,” the WHO said in a post on X.

Strikes from Lebanon have reportedly killed one Israeli soldier and one civilian, and Israel’s strikes on Lebanon have killed three civilians, including Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, and four Hezbollah members.

Hamas launched its unprecedented, deadly attack in southern Israel more than a week ago, prompting Israel to declare war on the group. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, with at least 199 being captured by Hamas and brought into Gaza, according to Israel.  At least 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and another 9,700 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The Associated Press contributed.