Israel has announced new strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they are preparing new strikes in the area of the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, AFP reported. The targets are facilities belonging to the Shiite group Hezbollah, according to the Israeli military.

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah said late last night that its fighters had engaged in clashes with Israeli army units advancing toward the town of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, located about five kilometers from the Israeli border, AFP reported.

In response, the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings to residents of three villages in southern Lebanon. On social media, an IDF spokesperson said the military was preparing to use force in the region and urged residents to immediately evacuate from 20 locations north of the Nabatieh area, BTA reported.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported a series of strikes, including in areas where the IDF had not issued prior warnings, AFP added. Later, NNA reported strong explosions and artillery fire near the Ali Taher heights, close to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, Hezbollah said its fighters opened fire on Israeli soldiers advancing toward Majdal Zoun. Israel reported further advances in what it described as its deepest incursion into Lebanon in 25 years.