Lebanese Army troops were deployed on Monday at the entrances to Beirut's southern suburbs to organize traffic as residents rushed to leave the area amid fears of possible Israeli strikes.
Earlier Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a decision to strike Beirut's southern suburbs, widely known as Dahiyeh, prompting anxiety among residents and disruptions to daily life.
"We are rushing and bringing kids from schools at the outskirts to leave immediately," Imad, a resident of the Bir al-Abed neighbourhood, told dpa. He expressed frustration at the situation, saying residents could no longer endure repeated escalations. He also lashed out at Hezbollah Secretary General Naeem Qassem.
"The leaders of Hezbollah are hiding, but the people are paying the price."
Several schools in Beirut reportedly asked parents to collect their children following reports that Israel could target the capital.
"The school sent me a message to come and take my children after the Israeli decision," said Hiba, a mother of two children who attend a private school in Beirut.
The municipality of Haret Hreik, one of the main districts in Beirut's southern suburbs, called on public and private schools to close until further notice as a precautionary measure.
Residents also reported drones flying at low altitude over Beirut's southern suburbs, further heightening tensions as many families left the area.
The developments came as military analysts discussed the implications of Israel's reported capture of the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media quoted military officials as saying control of the strategic hilltop provides observation and fire-control advantages but is unlikely on its own to alter the course of the conflict.
