Israeli Fire Kills 2 in Lebanon, Ceasefire Teeters as Evacuations Target Shiites
Two people were killed by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon on Monday, and Israel ordered Shiite-majority communities to evacuate while letting others stay, putting the ceasefire at risk and stirring old sectarian wounds.
Israeli forces opened fire in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Monday, killing two people and wounding two others, according to local reports [179657][179553][179556]. The attack came despite a standing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon [179657]. Separately, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of Shiite-majority communities in southern Lebanon, accusing residents of supporting Hezbollah, while allowing Christian, Sunni, and other residents in the same area to stay [179627]. This selective evacuation policy risks reviving sectarian tensions that have been largely dormant since Lebanon’s civil war ended in 2000, and many displaced Shiites now fear a return of the old divisions [179627]. The incidents occur as both countries prepare for a fifth round of direct negotiations in Washington on Tuesday [179657].