Israel closes beaches, suspends schools near Lebanon border as tensions rise

New security restrictions

The Israeli military on Saturday ordered the suspension of all educational activities in communities adjacent to Lebanon and the closure of beaches in affected areas following a comprehensive security assessment of the northern frontier. Residents were instructed to remain within close proximity to shelters and protected spaces throughout Sunday and Monday, while public gatherings were minimized to reduce civilian exposure to potential strikes.

In the Upper Galilee and the occupied Golan Heights, schooling may continue only inside fortified buildings offering immediate access to protected areas, the military stated. The measures reflect mounting concerns over escalating exchanges of fire along the border region that have intensified since the collapse of the April ceasefire.

Ground operations deepen

Hebrew media reported that the Israeli army has constructed tactical bridges over the Litani River to facilitate armored troop movements as it seeks to expand ground operations deeper into Lebanese territory. A senior Lebanese military source told Anadolu that Israeli forces have advanced to villages north of the river, including Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Shaqif Arnoun, approaching the outskirts of Nabatieh.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that troops had crossed the Litani River and established what he described as "positions of control" inside Lebanon. The advance marks a significant escalation in Israel's ground campaign, which began with limited incursions in early March and has steadily pushed northward beyond the original buffer zone.

Hezbollah retaliation and casualties

Hezbollah said on Saturday it had expanded its attacks toward northern Israel in response to what it characterized as daily Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on April 17 and has been extended until early July. The group has accused Israel of breaching the terms of the truce, which was intended to halt hostilities after months of cross-border fire.

Since March 2, Israeli forces have conducted a large-scale military campaign in Lebanon that has killed 3,371 people and injured 10,129 according to official Lebanese figures. The conflict has also displaced more than 1 million civilians, Lebanese authorities reported.