Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the residents of southern Lebanon on Monday amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly resulted in around 356 deaths and over 1,200 injuries. “Israel's war is not with you. It's with Hezbollah. For too long, Hezbollah has been using you as human shields,” Netanyahu stated, urging civilians to evacuate. He emphasised, “Don’t let Hezbollah endanger Lebanon. Please, get out of harm’s way now. Once our operation is finished, you can come back safely to your homes.”

The Israeli army has described its actions as “intensive and precise strikes against terrorist targets” throughout Lebanon, advising civilians in affected areas like Tyre, Sidon, and the Bekaa Valley to avoid locations used by Hezbollah for military purposes.

Following these airstrikes, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported a toll of 356 dead and 1,246 wounded since the shelling began. The attacks have affected numerous villages across several districts, prompting widespread concern.

Hezbollah responded by targeting multiple Israeli military sites, including the Northern Corps reserve headquarters and logistics warehouses. The situation has been further complicated by escalating tensions over the past week, including a series of violent exchanges and a significant strike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Since October 8, 2023, the region has seen increasing cross-border shelling between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, as well as other Lebanese and Palestinian factions, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.