Israeli army threatens to target ambulances in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army has threatened to target ambulances in southern Lebanon, claiming that they are being used to transport Hezbollah.

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee on Saturday alleged that “Hezbollah elements are using ambulances to transport fighters and arms.” He did not provide any proof of his accusation.

“We call on medical teams to avoid contact with Hezbollah members and not to cooperate with them,” he said. The Israeli military “affirms that the necessary actions will be taken against any vehicle transporting armed individuals, regardless of its type”.

“For your own protection, do not return to your homes until further notice. Do not go south, anyone who goes south may put his life at risk,” he said.

The Israeli military also ordered residents of 22 southern Lebanese villages to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River, according to a statement released on Saturday.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted one year ago when the  group began launching rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war, has dramatically escalated over the past month.

Intensified Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut have forced approximately 1.2 million people from their homes since Sept. 23, according to the Lebanese government.