IDF orders more towns to evacuate in Lebanon as rocket barrages target northern Israel

As it continued its airstrikes in Lebanon and ground offensive against Hezbollah in the country’s south, the Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that in the past day, its forces had killed some 60 Hezbollah operatives, while the air force had struck more than 200 targets.

It also called on residents of 25 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately and head north. Among the list of cities, towns, and villages is Nabatieh, one of the largest cities in southern Lebanon. Nabatieh and several other villages on the list are north of the Litani River — the first time Israel has ordered evacuations north of the body of water seen as a strategic line.

At the same time, over 75 rockets were fired by Hezbollah Thursday morning at northern Israel, setting off sirens in the cities of Safed, Tiberias and numerous other communities in the Galilee and forcing residents to take cover in shelters. (Read More)