PRETEXT TO BLITZ

>> Lebanon says messages urging resident evacuations are 'psychological warfare' >> Israel claims bombings are targeting homes used to hide Hezbollah weapons

- ANDY LINES

ISRAEL sent texts and voice messages telling people in Lebanon to evacuate, then launched attacks on the nation yesterday killing over 490, including at least 35 children.

Civilians in southern Lebanon received warnings such as to stay away from residential buildings hiding Hezbollah weapons and to flee areas where the militant group operates.

The country's Minister of Information Ziad Makary called the messages "psychological warfare" and said even his office received one.

It was the deadliest day in Lebanon since 2006. Officials said that as well as those killed, over 1,000 were injured.