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Israel launched extensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Saturday following a morning rocket attack targeting the Israeli border town of Metula.
The IDF said at least six rockets were fired; three fell short of the border and three others were intercepted by air defenses.
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Aftermath of IDF strikes on southern Lebanon
According to an IDF statement, its fighter jets struck dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center used by terrorists in southern Lebanon. “The rocket fire toward the Galilee is a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and poses a direct threat to Israeli citizens. The State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement,” the statement read.
Lebanese media reported at least four people killed and additional injuries in the Israeli strikes, which continued throughout the morning hours. The operation came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the military to respond forcefully.
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IDF strikes southern Lebanon after a rocket attack on Metula
A Hezbollah member of Lebanon’s parliament denied the group’s involvement in the rocket fire and said it had relayed that message to Lebanon’s president and prime minister.
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In an interview with the Qatari newspaper The New Arab, the official said Hezbollah had no interest in escalating violence in the south.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern over the renewed hostilities, noting that around 7:30 a.m., four projectiles were launched from Lebanon into Israel, prompting immediate Israeli retaliation.
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Makeshift rocket launchers used in an attack on Metula located north of the Litani River on Saturday
(Photo: X)
The Lebanese army reported finding makeshift rocket launchers used in the attack north of the Litani River.
Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of provoking the violence and called on international observers in southern Lebanon to prevent further ceasefire violations. His office urged the military to take measures to protect civilians and avoid additional escalation.