Israel renews forced evacuation orders south of Zahrani; Pentagon deploys Marine unit to Middle East, WSJ reports | LIVE - L'Orient Today

Israel renews forced evacuation orders for residents of all towns in southern Lebanon located south of the Zahrani River, expanding the evacuation zone to include Nabatieh and Sour and covering nearly 12 percent of Lebanese territory, causing the displacement of over one million people since the escalation began on March 2.

“_Live_ MIDDLE EAST Israel renews forced evacuation orders south of Zahrani; Pentagon deploys Marine unit to Middle East, WSJ reports | LIVE Mountasser ABDALLAH, Sarah ABDALLAH, Renee Robledo-Davis, 20 March 2026 06:45, updated at 12:47 What you need to know The Pentagon is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East, according to the WSJ”

Today

Hezbollah claims multiple attacks on Israeli targets in Lebanon and northern Israel, including rocket salvos at Yiftah, Kiryat Shmona, Shomera, Ramot Naftali, and Hanita, plus two drone attacks on Israeli military positions identified as the "Yara and Metat barracks", and says it targeted a "gathering of Israeli soldiers" in Khiam.

The Israeli army says its forward-defense operations have struck over 2,000 sites in Lebanon, including around 120 Hezbollah command centers, over 100 weapons depots, and more than 130 rocket launch platforms, and it says it has eliminated more than 570 Hezbollah fighters, including roughly 220 Radwan fighters, about 150 rocket operators, two commanders equivalent to major general, four equivalent to brigadier general, eight colonels, and 22 battalion commanders.

The Pentagon is deploying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of roughly 2,200 Marines, to the Middle East according to The Wall Street Journal.

As of March 13, roughly 2,500 Marines and three additional ships were already being sent to reinforce operations in the region.

“_Live_ MIDDLE EAST Israel renews forced evacuation orders south of Zahrani; Pentagon deploys Marine unit to Middle East, WSJ reports | LIVE Mountasser ABDALLAH, Sarah ABDALLAH, Renee Robledo-Davis, 20 March 2026 06:45, updated at 12:47 What you need to know The Pentagon is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East, according to the WSJ”

Today

UK police arrested suspected Iranian spies trying to enter Britain's submarine base in Scotland.

Ukraine said it deployed interception units in five Middle Eastern countries.

Switzerland suspended arms exports to the United States amid the war, with the government saying exports of military equipment cannot currently be authorized.

The European Union called for de-escalation and a moratorium on strikes targeting energy and water infrastructure.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the death of spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media.

“_Live_ MIDDLE EAST Israel renews forced evacuation orders south of Zahrani; Pentagon deploys Marine unit to Middle East, WSJ reports | LIVE Mountasser ABDALLAH, Sarah ABDALLAH, Renee Robledo-Davis, 20 March 2026 06:45, updated at 12:47 What you need to know The Pentagon is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East, according to the WSJ”

Today

Six more countries designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization—Iceland, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Liechtenstein—joining Ukraine and Albania in taking that step.

Tehran reiterated that missile production is ongoing and that Iran does not face shortages, while warning that Israeli and U.S. officials and military personnel will not be safe in resorts or tourist sites around the world.

Tehran warned that Israeli and U.S. officials and military personnel will not be safe in resorts or tourist sites around the world.

Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador after a strike wounded a RT crew in southern Lebanon, calling it a deliberate and gross violation of international law.

“_Live_ MIDDLE EAST Israel renews forced evacuation orders south of Zahrani; Pentagon deploys Marine unit to Middle East, WSJ reports | LIVE Mountasser ABDALLAH, Sarah ABDALLAH, Renee Robledo-Davis, 20 March 2026 06:45, updated at 12:47 What you need to know The Pentagon is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East, according to the WSJ”

Today

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said he is working to keep Syria out of the conflict and stressed good relations with regional and international partners.

Beirut residents reported two loud explosions, likely caused by fighter jets breaking the sound barrier.