Lebanon Front Expands

While the main campaign surges over Iran, the Lebanon front escalates into its own full-scale conflict. IDF strikes kill 41 in Nabi Chit, deep in the Bekaa Valley — the farthest IDF penetration into Lebanon of the war. IDF commandos fight Hezbollah fighters and local residents. Defense Minister Katz warns Lebanon as a state will pay a heavy price. Hezbollah responds by ordering Kiryat Shmona residents to evacuate south — telegraphing an imminent mass rocket strike. The IDF orders all civilians south of the Litani to flee immediately.

Key facts

• •41 killed in Nabi Chit, Bekaa Valley — deepest IDF penetration into Lebanon
• •IDF commandos confront Hezbollah and residents in helicopter raid
• •Katz warns Lebanon as a state: 'very heavy price'
• •Hezbollah orders Kiryat Shmona evacuated — signals mass rocket strike
• •IDF: all south of Litani must evacuate immediately