As part of Israel’s escalating military operations against Hezbollah, its military has issued warnings to Lebanese civilians, urging them to avoid the coastline in southern Lebanon.

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesman, issued a stark warning to beachgoers and those using boats for fishing or recreation from the Awali River, located just north of Sidon, down to the southern coast. He emphasized the risk posed by the Israeli Navy’s forthcoming operations in the area.

"For your safety, refrain from being at the sea or on the beach from now until further notice," Adraee said. "Being on the beach or in the water from the Awali River line southward poses a threat to your life."

Earlier, the Israeli army said that its air force has launched a significant offensive against Hezbollah in Beirut, targeting more than 100 sites associated with the militant group over the past two weeks.  

These sites included weapon depots, manufacturing plants, and command centers crucial to Hezbollah’s operations, the statement claimed. 

In recent months, according to the Israeli military, Hezbollah was detected relocating weapons and manufacturing equipment from southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley to Beirut’s southern suburb, which is a stronghold for the group. The military believes that this strategic move was an attempt by Hezbollah to shield its assets from Israeli strikes, as the Israeli military had largely avoided targeting locations within Beirut until recently. 

Furthermore, the Israeli army said that approximately 100 Israeli fighter jets had conducted a large wave of airstrikes today, targeting over 120 Hezbollah installations in southern Lebanon. The strikes, which lasted for an hour, were directed at various components of the group’s military infrastructure, including its Southern Front, elite Radwan Force, rocket and missile division, and intelligence division.

The Israeli army has reportedly established a new closed military zone along the Lebanon border, affecting several northern communities, including Rosh Hanikra, Shlomi, Hanita, Adamit, and Arab al-Aramshe. The decision comes after a fresh assessment of ongoing ground operations inside southern Lebanon, as part of Israel's continued offensive against Hezbollah.

This is the fourth closed military zone to be imposed in the northern region since the Israeli army launched its ground operation in Lebanon last week. The directive prohibits civilians from entering areas where military operations are underway, particularly near the border where clashes with Hezbollah fighters may be occurring.