Prepare For Attack, Israel Issues Order To Evacuate Residents In Lebanon's 47bek

Impact of Israeli attacks in Lebanon/DOK UNICEF

JAKARTA - Israel issued an evacuation order for Roxybek, an important historic city in northeastern Lebanon, marking the first time Israel has ordered its residents to leave the city in the north of the country.

An Arabic-language Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said people in 47sebek should vacate the city via several highways, and warn residents of Hezbollah's whereabouts there.

"Israeli Defense Forces will act decisively against Hezbollah's interests in your city and village and have no intention of harming you," Adraee said.

Israel has ordered emptying in most villages and cities south of Lebanon, but this is the first time the entire city in northern Lebanon has been asked to flee.

One of the marked areas to be vacated is home to the ruins of the Romans, according to a map published by Adraee. Israeli evacuation orders were often followed by intense bombing military operations.

The city, which is known to have Hezbollah's presence, has been attacked by Israel since they stepped up operations in Lebanon a month ago.

The city is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the largest and most preserved Roman temples. The country has survived many natural disasters and conflicts over the centuries, the most recent of which was the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 and the 15-year civil war that began in 1975.

"Being near members, facilities, or Hezbollah combat equipment can put you at risk," said Adraee.