Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel after the IDF issued evacuation orders to Lebanese residents in the Tyre district south of the Litani River and confirmed that IDF ground forces have crossed the river line.

While diplomatic efforts have continued, the persistent clashes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have raised questions about the durability of the November ceasefire as US-mediated negotiations enter a critical phase.

Further negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to be hosted by the United States on May 14 and 15. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has outlined conditions for a direct meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though this has drawn threats from Hezbollah, which has vowed to continue military activities and accused the Lebanese government of betraying the country's national interests.

IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued warnings on social media directing residents of Arzoun, Tayr Debba, Bazouriye, and Al Haush to evacuate immediately and move at least 1,000 metres from their homes.

"In light of the terrorist Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the Israel Defense Forces are compelled to act forcefully against it," Adraee wrote, adding that anyone near Hezbollah elements or facilities was endangering their life.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that IDF heavy armoured vehicles and troop carriers crossed the Litani River, the line above which Hezbollah forces were required to withdraw under ceasefire terms, and seized control of surrounding areas. The report was also relayed by MTV Lebanon. The IDF confirmed it positioned forces on the outskirts of Zawtar, where eight Israeli soldiers were wounded in clashes with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem made a publicly broadcast address, vowing a harsh response against any potential Israeli offensive. "We will respond to the aggression and violations, and we won’t return to the pre-March 2nd era," Qassem announced, referring to the date that Hezbollah entered the war on the side of Iran by striking northern Israel.

"The enemy will ultimately yield; we won’t leave the battlefield, which will turn into a hell for the Israelis," Qassem added.

Although Qassem voiced his continued opposition to Lebanon's direct negotiations with Israel, stating that they would lead to "pure profits for Israel and free concessions from the Lebanese authorities."

"No one outside Lebanon has any say over the weapons, the resistance, or the organization of Lebanon's internal affairs," Qassem concluded on this note.