Israeli Defense Minister Katz Warns of Response in Beirut's Southern Suburbs

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Washington has approved Tel Aviv's stance that ongoing attacks in the north will be met with strikes targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, and that the U.S. has informed the Lebanese government accordingly.

In remarks reported by Israeli media on Tuesday, Katz indicated that it will become clear in the coming days whether the bombardment in the north will cease or continue, which would then lead to attacks on the southern suburbs.

Katz emphasized, "There will be no situation allowing fire on our settlements without a firm response against the southern suburbs of Beirut. If attacks on the northern settlements persist, we will strike the southern suburbs."

He also affirmed that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon will continue under all circumstances.

Separately, the Israeli army renewed its urgent evacuation warning to residents of Nabatiyeh city, instructing them to leave immediately and relocate north of the Al-Zahrani River.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the army said, "We renew our urgent warning to Lebanese residents in Nabatiyeh city: you must evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Al-Zahrani River."

The statement cautioned that anyone near Hezbollah members, their facilities, or military assets is putting their life at risk.