Israel strikes Lebanon after intercepting rockets near border

The Israeli military launched artillery and airstrikes into southern Lebanon on Saturday after intercepting rockets fired across the border, marking the first such exchange since a U.S.-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in November 2024.

The escalation risks unraveling a fragile truce that had ended more than a year of cross-border conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Israeli army responds to rocket launch from Lebanon

The Israeli army said it intercepted three rockets fired from Lebanese territory toward the northern Israeli town of Metula between 7:32 a.m. and 7:34 a.m. local time. Sirens sounded in the region as Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system was activated.

According to Maariv, a total of six rockets were launched, with three falling back into Lebanese territory.

Israel responded with artillery fire targeting several locations in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), Israeli forces shelled the Yahmur al-Shiqayf town in Nabatieh Governorate and also targeted Arnun and Kafr Tibnit, both located near the southern border.

The towns of Khiam and Houla were hit with additional shelling, and Israeli forces opened fire with heavy machine guns toward the border towns of Houla, Markaba, and Kfar Kila.

There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.

Israeli leaders vow strong response

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Tel Aviv would not tolerate rocket attacks on northern communities.

“We will not allow rocket fire from Lebanon on the Galilee communities. We promised security to the communities of the Galilee—and that is exactly how it will be. The rule for Metula is the rule for Beirut,” Katz said.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated: “The Israeli army will respond severely to the morning’s attack. The state of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.”

Lebanese Government warns of escalation

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam cautioned that renewed fighting could drag the country into another war.

“All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” he said.

Salam warned that any escalation risked bringing additional suffering to the Lebanese people.

Cease-fire terms and violations

The Nov. 27, 2024 cease-fire deal required Hezbollah to remove weapons from southern Lebanon, with Israeli forces expected to withdraw from border positions and Lebanese army units deployed in their place.

Despite the agreement, tensions have persisted. Lebanese officials reported that Israel continues to occupy five positions along the frontier: Hamamis Hill, Aziyye Hill, Uveyda Hill, Mount Balat, and Lebbune Hill.

According to Lebanese sources, at least 94 people have been killed and 288 injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was declared. Officials in Lebanon accuse Israel of frequent violations, including ground incursions and aerial strikes.

Israel contends that Hezbollah maintains unauthorized military infrastructure in the south, in defiance of the agreement.

Saturday’s incident marked the first significant escalation in months and came after the collapse of a separate ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah has not yet claimed responsibility for the latest rocket fire and has yet to issue a statement.