Tensions escalated as Israel intercepted three rockets, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire.
Israel Issues Stern Warning to Lebanon Following First Rocket Attack Since Ceasefire
Israel Issues Stern Warning to Lebanon Following First Rocket Attack Since Ceasefire
Rockets fired from Lebanon prompt Israel's IDF to declare potential severe responses.
Israel has issued a strong warning to Lebanon after the first rocket attack since a bilateral ceasefire went into effect in November. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that on Saturday morning, sirens sounded in the northern Israeli town of Metula as they intercepted three rockets. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.
In response to the attack, Lebanon's Prime Minister called on the military to take necessary steps to prevent the country from being drawn into a renewed conflict. IDF chief Eyal Zamir stated that "the state of Lebanon bears responsibility" in maintaining the ceasefire deal that ended 14 months of violent conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group operating from Lebanon. Amidst the tension, local reports indicated that Israeli artillery fired into several southern regions of Lebanon, though Israel has yet to confirm these actions.
The ceasefire has been tenuous, with Israel conducting near-daily airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah targets, asserting that such operations are essential for curbing the group's rearmament. Additionally, the Israeli military continues to occupy five locations in southern Lebanon, which the Lebanese government deems a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of the ceasefire agreement that necessitated a full Israeli withdrawal.
The rocket attack heightens the scrutiny on the Lebanese government, as it may be interpreted as proof that the Lebanese military does not have complete control over border regions. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has refrained from retaliatory action. The group is currently facing significant challenges, including the need to provide financial support to communities affected by the conflict, along with pressure to disarm amidst accusations of undermining state authority.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, who assumed office in January, has reiterated that only the government should possess arms, a clear indication aimed at Hezbollah’s arsenal. International partners of Lebanon have warned that support will be conditional on the government's efforts to limit Hezbollah's influence. The conflict, which reignited after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, has seen severe escalations, resulting in extensive casualties and displacing over a million residents in Lebanon. Israel’s ongoing military objectives target the disarmament of Hezbollah to facilitate the return of roughly 60,000 people displaced from northern communities.
In response to the attack, Lebanon's Prime Minister called on the military to take necessary steps to prevent the country from being drawn into a renewed conflict. IDF chief Eyal Zamir stated that "the state of Lebanon bears responsibility" in maintaining the ceasefire deal that ended 14 months of violent conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group operating from Lebanon. Amidst the tension, local reports indicated that Israeli artillery fired into several southern regions of Lebanon, though Israel has yet to confirm these actions.
The ceasefire has been tenuous, with Israel conducting near-daily airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah targets, asserting that such operations are essential for curbing the group's rearmament. Additionally, the Israeli military continues to occupy five locations in southern Lebanon, which the Lebanese government deems a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of the ceasefire agreement that necessitated a full Israeli withdrawal.
The rocket attack heightens the scrutiny on the Lebanese government, as it may be interpreted as proof that the Lebanese military does not have complete control over border regions. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has refrained from retaliatory action. The group is currently facing significant challenges, including the need to provide financial support to communities affected by the conflict, along with pressure to disarm amidst accusations of undermining state authority.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, who assumed office in January, has reiterated that only the government should possess arms, a clear indication aimed at Hezbollah’s arsenal. International partners of Lebanon have warned that support will be conditional on the government's efforts to limit Hezbollah's influence. The conflict, which reignited after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, has seen severe escalations, resulting in extensive casualties and displacing over a million residents in Lebanon. Israel’s ongoing military objectives target the disarmament of Hezbollah to facilitate the return of roughly 60,000 people displaced from northern communities.
