Israeli PM Netanyahu Announces New Evacuation Order for Southern Lebanon Villages Amidst Escalating Conflict

 Kathmandu. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country's army on Saturday issued a new evacuation order for residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon.

The latest warning came a day after military delegations from the two countries held historic security talks in Washington. Israel continues its attacks in southern Lebanon, while President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need to make all efforts for a ceasefire in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The attack continues despite a ceasefire officially implemented from April 17, between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah.

Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The Israeli army's evacuation order issued for Saturday includes some villages near Nabatieh, while Hezbollah has stated that it fired rockets at the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona.

Hezbollah has stated that it attacked Israeli soldiers near Ghandouriyeh in southern Lebanon, forcing them to retreat, and fired rockets at a military base in northern Israel.

On Friday, Hezbollah stated it had attacked northern Israel, while the Israeli army confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles coming from Lebanon. One of them was fired near Kiryat Shmona.

Hezbollah has also stated that it attacked Israeli soldiers attempting to advance near the medieval Beaufort Castle. The Israeli army is said to have advanced about 30 kilometers north of the Lebanon-Israel border.

Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, and a fourth round of talks is expected in Washington next week after Friday's meeting at the Pentagon. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, 11 people were killed in an Israeli attack in the southern city of Tyre on Friday.

Lebanon was drawn into a regional war in early March after launching rockets at Israel in retaliation for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader in a US-Israeli attack. Hezbollah has strongly opposed talks with US representatives and refused to disarm.

On Friday, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes in more than 20 locations in the south. Hundreds of people and tourists have fled to the old city of Tyre, which is not included in the recent Israeli army evacuation order.

AFP reported that displaced residents are sleeping in cars or camps as shelters are full. Lebanon's Ministry of Health stated that Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of at least 3,355 people since March 2.