Israel calls for evacuation of 14% of Lebanese territory as it pursues HezbollahA man from southern Lebanon takes shelter at a school in Sidon on Wednesday. (Photo: AFP)SIDON, Lebanon - The line of cars stretched as far as the eye could see along the coast of southern Lebanon, as residents of areas bombarded in the Israel-Hezbollah war poured into the ancient city of Sidon in search of safety. At war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, Israel has called on everyone living south of the Zahrani River to evacuate immediately. For now the military says it is only conducting “limited” ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Some residents of all faiths remain in the predominantly-Shia south, which is also home to Christians and Sunnis.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2026 14:05 UTC