Israel launches 'Third Lebanon War' as IDF warplanes bomb Hezbollah targets | World | News

Israeli warplanes have begun attacking targets in southern and eastern Lebanon after Israeli forces called on the population to evacuate as they intensify their military operation against Hezbollah, in what one official called a “third Lebanon war.”

IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee added on X: “Residents of Lebanese villages: The raids will begin in the near future – immediately evacuate the houses where Hezbollah weapons are hidden!

“Hezbollah is lying to you and sacrificing you. Hezbollah says you are its environment and its audience, but it seems that its missiles and drones are more valuable and important to it than you.”

An Israeli security source told Hebrew broadcaster Ynet that Israel expected a massive response from Hezbollah following the attack, adding: “There are days ahead in which the public must show calm.” They referred to the conflict as the “Third Lebanon War.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, saying: “We are entering a new phase of the war. There are days ahead in which the public must show calm.”

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “We advise civilians from Lebanese villages located in and near buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, such as storing weapons, to immediately leave the danger zone for their own safety.”

He added that the Israeli military would carry out larger and more precise attacks, but urged Lebanese civilians to stay out of the danger zone.

Videos are circulating on social media showing fires and smoke rising from southern Lebanon.

So far, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported one death as a result of an attack north of the Bekaa Valley.