Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response to border attacks
Government prepares evacuation of border communities up to 3 miles
The Israeli Air Force again attacked multiple targets of the Hezbollah terror organization in southern Lebanon overnight, the IDF stated on Thursday morning.
An observation post that was used to fire an anti-tank missile at the Israeli town of Rosh Hanikra on Wednesday was struck in one attack.
The IDF added that the strikes were in response to the attacks by Hezbollah against Israel throughout the last day.
The @IDF said it struck a number of targets belonging to #Hezbollah in southern #Lebanon, including an observation post near the coast where anti-tank missiles were launched toward Rosh Hanikra on Wednesday.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 19, 2023
IDF Spokesperson's Unit
https://t.co/eN0fOX9DSr pic.twitter.com/qswLPsCSx7
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for seven attacks directed at Israeli territory on Wednesday, including anti-tank missile attacks and small arms fire at IDF soldiers and surveillance equipment.
At least 10 members of Hezbollah and several Palestinian terrorists based in Lebanon have been eliminated in the Israeli retaliation attacks since the beginning of the war with Hamas.
The Israeli government has given the green light for preparations to evacuate Israeli towns and settlements located up to 5 km (about 3 miles) from the northern border in anticipation of a further escalation of tensions with Hezbollah.
“In view of the security reality and the possibility of the war developing into the northern sector as well, it is not possible to maintain the safety of the population or ensure the supply of basic products and services for it within a range of 5 km from the northern border except through the organized evacuation of the population,” the statement read.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have the authority to give the evacuation order, which will be carried out by the IDF.
The Ministry of Tourism and the Interior Ministry are responsible for finding accommodations for the evacuated residents in hotels and guesthouses and will subsidize their stays.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.