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Israeli Tanks Advance to Khyam Amid Intensified Border Clashes with Hezbollah
Following recent Israeli incursions into several border towns in southern Lebanon over the past few weeks, Israeli tanks have reached the outskirts of the town of Khyam.
The Israeli army has warned residents of 16 southern towns to evacuate their homes. Its spokesperson, Avichai Adraee, urged residents of Tair Harfa, Al-Jabain, Al-Qasr Al-Ahmar, Jabal Al-Batam, Zbaqeen, Shehreen, Al-Hamiri, Al-Khayreb, Ansar, Matariyeh Al-Shoumer, Adloun, Majdel Zoun, Shama, Abu Shash, Naqoura, and Alama Al-Shaab to leave their villages and head towards the Awali River.
Simultaneously, violent clashes erupted between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli armored forces at the eastern edges of Khyam, who attempted to penetrate the town, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Israel also launched airstrikes on Khyam, as well as the towns of Shuqri and Majdel Salim in the south, as reported by Al Arabiya/Al Hadath correspondent.
For weeks, nearly daily direct confrontations have continued between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in several border villages in southern Lebanon, resulting in the complete destruction of entire towns. Since September, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as the south and the Beqaa Valley.
Earlier this month, Israel initiated what it termed a "limited ground operation" along the border, with its forces advancing into some villages, though Hezbollah confirmed that they had not fully taken over any town.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes since September 23 has exceeded 1,700.
Israel aims to establish a buffer zone along the border and push Hezbollah north of the Litani River in order to facilitate the return of residents displaced by the clashes and rocket fire from the Lebanese side.
