Israeli Airstrikes Target Southern Lebanon Following Rocket Attacks on Northern Israel
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Synopsis
On March 22, 2023, Israel executed airstrikes in southern Lebanon following rocket attacks on northern Israel, escalating cross-border tensions. The incident has implications for the fragile ceasefire established with Hezbollah amid ongoing disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
- Rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel.
- One person was killed and three injured in the strikes.
- Ceasefire tensions remain high between Israel and Hezbollah.
- UN calls for restraint to avoid further escalation.
Beirut/Jerusalem, March 22 (NationPress) Israel conducted airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, escalating tensions across the border after rockets were launched into northern Israel, as reported by the state-owned National News Agency (NNA).
The airstrikes impacted regions near the villages of Touline, Kfar Melki, Mleeta, and the Wadi al-Hujeir valley, according to NNA. A residential structure in Touline was demolished, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
Previously, the Israeli military announced that it intercepted rockets fired from Lebanon targeting the northern Israeli town of Metula. No injuries were reported in Israel, according to the nation's emergency services.
Lebanon's military mentioned that its units later found and dismantled three improvised rocket launchers in the Nabatieh area, located north of the Litani River, as reported by Xinhua. Troops remained deployed in southern Lebanon to ensure security and stability.
This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions regarding a ceasefire mediated by the US and France between Israel and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2023, bringing an end to over a year of conflict associated with the Gaza situation.
The ceasefire agreement included a provision for an Israeli exit from contested Lebanese land, yet Israeli forces continue to occupy five border posts beyond the February 18 deadline, as stated by Lebanese officials.
Following the airstrikes, Israel's military claimed it targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure, asserting that the Iran-aligned group operates from civilian areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz promised a strong response to the attacks, with Katz emphasizing that the Lebanese government was accountable for all aggression arising from its territory.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) urged for restraint, warning that further escalation could jeopardize fragile diplomatic progress.
The rocket attacks on Saturday represented the first occurrence of such incidents from Lebanon since early December. Both Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged accusations over recurring violations of the ceasefire, which technically remains in place but has been strained by intermittent clashes and unresolved border issues.
