7 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Israeli military on Monday ordered residents of a specific area in Deir Zahrani in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of planned strikes against what it described as a Hezbollah facility.
The warning came after the Israeli army said an explosive drone had been launched toward its forces. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television later reported Israeli airstrikes on Deir Zahrani.
Israel Warns Residents to Leave
The Israeli army issued the evacuation warning in Arabic, telling residents in the specified area to leave because the military intended to strike a site it identified as a Hezbollah facility.
The army said Hezbollah’s activities had compelled it to act against the group and warned that people who remained in the area could be at risk.
Drone Attack Cited as Reason
According to the Israeli military, an explosive drone had been launched toward its forces before the evacuation order.
The army did not say whether any Israeli soldiers were wounded in the reported drone attack. Israel has increasingly cited attacks by Hezbollah as justification for military operations in southern Lebanon.
Airstrikes Reported in Deir Zahrani
Following the evacuation warning, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television reported that Israeli airstrikes had hit Deir Zahrani.
The reported strikes add to a series of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, where tensions have continued despite a broader framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon reached earlier this year.
Second Evacuation Warning in a Month
The latest warning comes after the Israeli army issued an earlier evacuation notice near a building in Arab Salim, which Israel also described as a Hezbollah facility.
That was reportedly the first such evacuation order in Lebanon in about a month, highlighting renewed Israeli military activity in the south.
Southern Lebanon Remains a Conflict Zone
Southern Lebanon has remained a major flashpoint since Hezbollah entered the wider Middle East conflict in support of Iran.
Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground operation, while Lebanese authorities have reported thousands of deaths since the conflict expanded.
Israeli forces are also maintaining a self-declared security zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into Lebanon along the border.
Tensions Continue Despite Framework Agreement
Violence in Lebanon had decreased following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding in June and an Israel-Lebanon framework agreement later that month.
However, intermittent Israeli strikes and demolitions have continued, while Lebanon has repeatedly called for an end to Israeli military operations in its territory.
Lebanese President Urges International Action
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged Washington and the international community to intervene to help stop Israeli attacks.
The latest evacuation order comes amid broader regional tensions involving Israel, Iran, Hezbollah and the United States, increasing concerns about further escalation.
Risk to Civilians
The evacuation order underscores the continuing danger faced by civilians living in southern Lebanon.
Warnings issued before strikes are intended to reduce civilian casualties, but residents in affected areas still face displacement and uncertainty as military operations continue.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus will be on the extent of the Israeli strikes and whether Hezbollah responds with further attacks.
Any significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could further complicate the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon and undermine efforts to implement the existing framework agreement.