The IDF struck dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center from which unidentified terrorists were operating in southern Lebanon on Saturday morning.
The strikes come in response to a rocket fire launched towards Metulla in what the IDF called “a blatant violation of the understanding between Israel and Lebanon, and a direct threat to the citizens of the State of Israel,” noting “The State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.”
Earlier on Saturday, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would respond to three rockets that were fired from Lebanon. “We will not tolerate attacks on Galilee communities from Lebanon. Our commitment to their security stands firm—that is exactly what will be,” Katz said.
“Metulla and Beirut will be treated the same. The Lebanese government is fully responsible for any fire originating from its territory. I have instructed the IDF to respond accordingly.”
Sirens were activated in Metulla in Israel’s North as a result of the launches.
Hours after the strikes, the IDF later said that “at this stage, it is not possible to verify the identity of the organization that fired [the rockets],” according to Ynet.
Lebanon warns of resuming war
Following Katz’s statements, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment. Afterward, the military noted that the IDF would respond severely to the morning’s attack and that thee State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.
Lebanon’s prime minister Nawaf Salam warned on Saturday of the potential renewal of military operations in the south of the country.
“All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” Salam said in a statement after Israel struck towns in southern Lebanon in response to a cross-border rocket launch.
Lebanese media reported that two people were killed and eight were wounded in Touline.
Hezbollah-owned news outlet Al Manar reported that the IDF conducted airstrikes in Yahmar al-Shaqif, Arnoun, Kfar Tibnit, Markaba, Khiyam, and Houla.
The outlet also claimed that the military fired on Houla, Markab, and Kfar Kila with machine guns. Air raid sirens sounded at UNIFIL bases, and air raid sirens sounded at United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) bases in Deir Siryan and Adshit al-Qusayr.
Hezbollah also did not take responsibility for the launches, with a source telling Al Jazeera, “When we carry out an operation against the Israeli occupation forces, we announce it officially.”
“Hezbollah denies any involvement in the rocket fire from southern Lebanon into the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing that the Israeli enemy’s allegations are merely pretexts for its continued attacks on Lebanon, which have not ceased since the ceasefire was announced. Hezbollah reiterates its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and stands behind the Lebanese state in addressing this dangerous Zionist escalation against Lebanon,” the terror group said.
UN peacekeepers told Reuters that the escalation of the situation on the border could have “serious consequences for the region.”
“We strongly urge all parties to avoid jeopardizing the progress made, especially when civilian lives and the fragile stability observed in recent months is at risk,” the UNIFIL statement read.
The organization ended its statement by encouraging “both sides to uphold their commitments.”
UNIFIL troops remain in position, the organization’s statement read.
The IDF also added that there are no changes in the Home Front Command security guidelines.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
This is a developing story.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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