Lebanese Military Probes Rocket Attack on Israel, Apprehends Suspects
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Synopsis
The Lebanese Army is investigating a rocket attack from southern Lebanon into Israel, leading to the arrest of several suspects. Commander General Rodolph Haykal condemned the attacks, reinforcing the army's commitment to national security amidst ongoing tensions. Israeli airstrikes have escalated violence, resulting in casualties and highlighting the fragile ceasefire.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanese Army investigates rocket fire into Israel.
- Several suspects have been detained.
- General Haykal emphasizes national security.
- Israel's airstrikes have caused casualties in Lebanon.
- Ceasefire remains fragile amidst ongoing tensions.
Beirut, March 30 (NationPress) General Rodolph Haykal, Commander of the Lebanese Army, announced that the military is currently investigating the rocket fire that occurred on Friday from southern Lebanon into Israel, leading to the detention of several individuals for interrogation, according to media reports.
During an inspection of the South Litani Sector Command and military positions along the border on Saturday, Haykal emphasized that such rocket attacks from Lebanese soil benefit “the enemy” and reiterated the army's commitment to safeguarding Lebanon and its citizens, irrespective of political or sectarian divisions.
“The army is making considerable efforts to fulfill its duties in the south, a fact acknowledged by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the five-member committee overseeing the ceasefire,” Haykal stated.
He reaffirmed that Lebanon is dedicated to upholding UN Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, in line with directives from President Joseph Aoun and the government's commitments.
Haykal pointed fingers at Israel for hindering the army's complete deployment in the south, citing its presence on occupied Lebanese territory and ongoing violations of Lebanon's sovereignty.
On Friday, Israeli warplanes targeted areas in southern Lebanon and struck a building in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, following the rocket fire into northern Israel. Official Lebanese reports indicated that six individuals were killed, and 21 sustained injuries from the Israeli attacks.
The airstrike in Dahieh, a densely populated region and a Hezbollah stronghold, marked Israel's first action in that area since November last year, indicating a significant increase in tensions between the two parties, despite a fragile ceasefire.
A truce mediated by the U.S. and France between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 27, 2024, putting an end to more than a year of cross-border conflicts linked to the Gaza situation.
Nonetheless, Israel has persisted in targeting locations in Lebanon, citing security threats posed by Hezbollah.
The Israeli military continues to maintain five border positions, missing a February 18 deadline for a complete withdrawal.
This incident is part of a series of events, as Israeli violations since the ceasefire commenced have led to the deaths of at least 117 individuals in Lebanon, according to media reports.
Hezbollah, for its part, has denied any involvement in the rocket fire, accusing Israel of seeking “pretexts to justify ongoing aggression against Lebanon”.
