2 killed, 8 injured as Israel strikes south Lebanon after rocket fire

On Saturday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting multiple locations across southern Lebanon. This action was in direct response to the interception of rockets fired from Lebanese territory into northern Israel. The Lebanese state media reported that these strikes resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to eight others in the town of Touline.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a statement asserting that the military had been directed to act decisively against numerous targets in Lebanon, emphasizing that Israel would not tolerate any threats to its citizens or violations of its sovereignty. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they had conducted operations against multiple Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

Earlier that day, the Israeli military reported that three rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens in the region. All three rockets were successfully intercepted, and no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Despite Hezbollah’s denial of involvement, Israeli defense officials maintained that the Lebanese government bears responsibility for any hostile actions originating from its territory.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “We cannot allow fire from Lebanon on Galilee communities.” He underscored that the Lebanese government is accountable for attacks emanating from its soil and that the military has been instructed to respond accordingly. Katz further remarked, “We promised security to Galilee communities, and that is exactly what will happen. Metula’s fate is the same as Beirut’s.”

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon expressed deep concern over the potential escalation of violence following the rocket fire. They urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent jeopardizing the progress made in maintaining regional stability. The UN emphasized that any further escalation could have serious consequences for the broader region.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that Israeli airstrikes and shelling targeted several areas in the south, resulting in casualties and property damage. The Lebanese Army announced that it had dismantled three makeshift rocket launchers in an area north of the Litani River, indicating efforts to prevent further escalations.

This recent exchange of hostilities poses a significant threat to the fragile ceasefire established between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah was required to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. However, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, leading to increased tensions in the region.