Israeli forces have issued a warning that they may target ambulances and medical facilities in Lebanon, alleging that the militant group Hezbollah is exploiting these services for military operations, though no evidence was provided to support this accusation.
Avichai Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic language spokesperson, posted on X that “As part of its terrorist activities, Hezbollah is using ambulances extensively for military purposes,” demanding this practice cease immediately.
“If this practice does not stop, Israel will act in accordance with international law against any military activity carried out by the terrorist group Hezbollah using these facilities and ambulances,” Adraee stated.
A representative from Hezbollah rejected the allegations, stating that the organization was not utilizing ambulances or medical facilities for military operations.
When asked to provide proof of their claims regarding Hezbollah’s alleged misuse of medical infrastructure, Israeli military officials did not respond immediately.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, no fewer than 26 healthcare workers and emergency responders have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since March 2. Israeli military leadership maintains they implement safeguards aimed at minimizing civilian casualties.
The Iran-supported Hezbollah began attacking Israeli targets on March 2, claiming the action was revenge for Iran’s supreme leader’s death during the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Following this escalation, Israel initiated a comprehensive aerial bombardment campaign targeting the influential Lebanese militant organization, resulting in over 700 deaths and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes, while Hezbollah has launched numerous rockets into Israeli territory.
On Friday, Israeli warplanes scattered leaflets across Beirut, warning of potential destruction comparable to the devastation inflicted on Gaza throughout Israel’s two-year conflict with Hamas militants. Large portions of Gaza have been demolished, with most residents forced to flee their homes.
Throughout its Gaza operations, Israel conducted multiple raids and strikes against hospitals, claiming militants were operating from these locations. Hamas has rejected accusations of hiding among Gaza’s civilian population, although portions of their tunnel system have been discovered running underneath medical facilities.
Under international law, civilian infrastructure including hospitals are designated as protected locations. While both attacking medical facilities and using them for military purposes typically violate international law, they may lose their protected designation under specific circumstances.
Israeli forces bombed a bridge in southern Lebanon on Friday, stating Hezbollah was utilizing the structure, while Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of potential strikes against national infrastructure that Hezbollah exploits.
Israel has increased troop deployments along its northern Lebanese border and has indicated preparations for an extended military campaign.
A senior Israeli official informed Reuters on Friday that operations against Hezbollah would likely intensify and persist beyond any strikes against Iran.
The official revealed that targeting civilian infrastructure remains under consideration by leadership.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced Friday that his organization was ready for a prolonged conflict.
