‘Israeli’ army orders Beirut suburb evacuations as heavy strikes pound area

• ‘Israel’ expands evacuation zone in Beirut’s southern suburbs while warning of stronger strikes.
• Thousands of residents flee north toward Tripoli amid widespread destruction in southern Lebanon.

Thousands of Lebanese residents are fleeing north toward Tripoli after ‘Israel’ issued evacuation warnings across Beirut’s southern suburbs, signaling a possible escalation in its military campaign.

'Israeli' official media reported that residents in Beirut and nearby areas were advised to open their windows because “the next strike may be stronger than usual.” The unusual warning circulated widely as Israeli air raids intensified overnight.

Read more: Massive explosions shake Gaza as ‘Israeli’ army targets residential areas

According to 'Israel’s' Channel 14, the 'Israeli' military is preparing to demolish dozens of buildings in the southern suburb of Beirut, an area that has faced repeated bombardment during the current escalation.

Expanding evacuation zone

Evacuation notices reportedly cover wide sections of southern Beirut, extending toward the outskirts of the Sports City area.

Neighborhoods affected include Ouzai, Rahab, Hadath, Laylaki, Marijeh, Hayy al-Sellom, Haret Hreik, Shiyah, and areas along Airport Road. The evacuation area also includes locations near the Kuwaiti embassy wing.

Read more: Lebanon says ‘Israeli’ strikes hit hotel, residential building

Residents described chaotic scenes as families rushed to leave their homes, many heading north toward Tripoli in what witnesses described as a large wave of displacement.

Heavy destruction in southern Lebanon

Meanwhile, violent Israeli air raids struck the town of Kfartebnit in southern Lebanon, leaving widespread destruction across residential areas.

Local sources reported severe damage to buildings and infrastructure following the strikes, though the full scale of casualties and destruction remains unclear.

Lebanese government rejects accusations

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the developments at the start of a cabinet meeting, pushing back against accusations that the government was complying with Israeli demands.

“I heard yesterday accusations that the Lebanese government is aligning with Israeli demands or implementing Israeli decisions,” Salam said. “This is unacceptable and incites division.”

He added that those responsible for Lebanon’s current crisis are those who “dragged the country into adventures that Lebanon did not need,” warning that such actions have led to destruction, displacement, and heavy burdens on the Lebanese people.

What comes next

With 'Israeli' warnings of stronger strikes and reports of further demolitions in Beirut’s southern suburbs, fears are rising that the conflict could trigger a broader humanitarian crisis as displacement across Lebanon accelerates.