Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after rocket attack

The Israeli Air Force announced it struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in retaliation for cross-border rocket fire, marking the most significant escalation of tensions in the region since a ceasefire had brought an uneasy calm.

The airstrikes, which witnesses described as violent and widespread, followed the launch of five projectiles from Lebanon into northern Israel, Caliber.Az reports, referencing American media.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), three of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, while two fell inside Lebanon. This prompted artillery and tank shelling from Israel targeting positions within Lebanon. Sirens had been triggered across northern Israel as the military detected the incoming fire.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to take "robust action against dozens of terror targets," emphasizing that Israel would not tolerate any threats to its citizens or sovereignty. "Israel will not allow any harm to its citizens or its sovereignty," Netanyahu declared.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese military reported discovering and dismantling three "primitive rocket launchers" in the area north of the Litani River as part of its investigation into the incident. It remained unclear who was responsible for firing the rockets into Israel. Hezbollah, which is often involved in such actions, did not claim responsibility.

The UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, expressed concern over the escalation, urging all parties to uphold their commitments. It warned that further violence could destabilize the region and endanger civilian lives. “We strongly urge all parties to avoid jeopardizing the progress made, especially when civilian lives and the fragile stability observed in recent months are at risk,” UNIFIL stated, cautioning against any escalation that could have serious regional consequences.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz placed blame on the Lebanese government for the cross-border attack and reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring security in northern Israel. “We promised security to the Galilee communities - and that is exactly what will happen,” Katz said.

In contrast, the Lebanese presidency condemned the attempts to escalate violence, with President Joseph Aoun directing the Lebanese military to protect citizens and investigate the incident. The Lebanese government has urged restraint from all sides to avoid further destabilizing the region.

Despite agreeing to withdraw from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement in November, Israel maintains a military presence at five locations in southern Lebanon. This ceasefire had significantly reduced cross-border violence and brought an end to months of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The most recent cross-border incident follows Israel’s resumption of military operations in Gaza earlier in the week, which ended a fragile truce that had largely held since January.

By Tamilla Hasanova