Israel has issued an evacuation order for Baalbek, a historically significant city in northeast Lebanon. This marks the first time that Israel has ordered residents to leave a city in the north of the country. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, stated that people in Baalbek should evacuate the city using several highways, citing the presence of Hezbollah in the area.
Adraee assured residents that the Israel Defense Forces would act strongly against Hezbollah interests within the city and villages but had no intention to harm civilians. The evacuation order includes most of Lebanon's southern villages and cities, with Baalbek being the first city in northern Lebanon to be asked to evacuate.
One of the areas marked for evacuation in Baalbek is home to Roman ruins, according to a map published by Adraee. Israeli evacuation orders are typically followed by intense bombing campaigns.
Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history and is known for its well-preserved Roman temples. The city has endured various natural disasters and conflicts over the centuries, including the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war and a 15-year civil war that began in 1975.
Adraee emphasized the potential danger of being near Hezbollah members, facilities, or combat equipment in Baalbek. Israel has been targeting the city as part of its recent operations in Lebanon, which have intensified over the past month.
