Rocket fire from Lebanon targeted northern Israel this morning, triggering a swift IDF response. A total of 5-6 rockets were launched at the border town of Metula, with three intercepted by Iron Dome and the remaining falling short in Lebanese territory.
No casualties were reported, but the attack marked the most blatant violation of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
In its first public statement, Hezbollah claimed that it did not fire at Israel. The Lebanese army said that it discovered and dismantled three primitive rocket launchers that were apparently used to carry out the attack, Reuters reported.
By midday, Israeli fighter jets launched a series of retaliatory airstrikes targeting dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center in southern Lebanon. The IDF said the strikes aimed to neutralize immediate threats and degrade Hezbollah’s operational capacity.
Lebanese media reported artillery and airstrikes hitting multiple southern Lebanon towns, with several deaths and over 10 wounded.
Katz threatens Beirut
Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel will not accept attacks on northern communities, implicitly threatening to target Beirut in response. The IDF pounded Hezbollah’s nerve center in the capital during the war but refrained from launching major strikes in the city during the current ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s prime minister warned that the country risks being drawn into a new war, urging restraint.
The rocket attack appeared to test Israel’s boundaries, especially with a new military commander in charge. The recently appointed IDF Chief Zamir warned that Israel will respond harshly. It now remains to be seen whether this was a one-time incident, and how Israel intends to ensure the safety of northern towns if the rocket fire continues.