ISRAEL has drawn out a no-go zone for civilians as 25,000 troops have advanced into Lebanon ahead of a bloody showdown with Hezbollah.

It comes after one the country’s top ministers vowed to “crush” the terror group as troops crossed the northern border.

Israeli forces continued pounding Hezbollah targets across the border after launching Operation “Northern Arrows” while residents of 26 towns in the south were urged to evacuate.

Israel has declared a no-go zone for Lebanese civilians south of the Litani River and urged locals not to drive in the area.

Spokesman Avichay Adraee said: “Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon.

“For your personal safety, we ask you not to travel by vehicles from the north to the south of the Litani River.” Israel also urged a total of 26 towns near the south to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border.

A statement by Adraee read: “You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately.”

Israel said it has launched “limited, localised and targeted” raids to prevent another “October 7- style invasion.”

Israel’s battle-hardened 98th Division was leading the onslaught after being moved north from fighting Hezbollah allies Hamas in Gaza.

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