The Israeli military issued an evacuation order to residents in a neighborhood near Beirut for the first time since a cease-fire, signaling growing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israel Directs Evacuation Near Beirut Amid Renewed Conflict
Israel Directs Evacuation Near Beirut Amid Renewed Conflict
Tensions escalate as Israeli military orders evacuations in Dahiya following rocket fire
On March 28, 2025, in a significant development amidst ongoing regional strife, the Israeli military ordered an immediate evacuation for residents living near the Lebanese capital of Beirut. This directive marks the first time such an action has been taken since a U.S.-brokered cease-fire took effect months prior, following the outbreak of hostilities ignited by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, shared a map through social media, pinpointing a building in the densely populated Hadath neighborhood of Dahiya—an area closely associated with Hezbollah. “All those within roughly 300 yards of this structure must evacuate immediately,” Adraee stated, referring to the location's connection to facilities linked to the militant group.
The resurgence of tensions has been attributed to rocket fire targeting northern Israel, which prompted this alarming order. Despite the existence of a cease-fire since November, Israeli forces have frequently engaged in strikes against alleged militant locations in southern Lebanon, including Dahiya, which has largely remained untouched throughout the ceasefire period.
As sirens sounded across northern Israel, notably in Kiryat Shmona, the Israeli military confirmed intercepting one projectile, while another reportedly landed in Lebanese territory. Despite these developments, Hezbollah denied any involvement, reiterating its commitment to the cease-fire agreement.
In a chilling response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of potential retaliation, stating, “If there is no peace in Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee, there will be none in Beirut.” In Dahiya, the atmosphere grew tense as residents reacted to the evacuation order, reminiscent of the more harrowing days of the previous war.
Elie Hachem, director of St. Therese Hospital, described the scene as chaotic, with panicked residents trying to inform their neighbors. While the hospital suffered damage during earlier conflicts, staff focused on maintaining calm amid the uncertainty, without plans for immediate evacuation. The situation remains fluid, as both regional security and humanitarian concerns continue to be at the forefront of community discussions.
