Title: Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire Following Deadly Attack
Subtitle: Palestinian Attack Spurs Artillery and Rocket Fire Between Israel and Lebanon
Date: October 8, 2023
By: Beirut Newsroom and Ari Rabinovitch
Israel and Lebanon’s powerful armed group Hezbollah engaged in artillery and rocket fire on Sunday in response to the deadliest attack in years by Palestinian gunmen on Israel. The exchange of fire occurred near the border between the two countries.
The attack, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of at least 250 Israelis. Israel responded with retaliatory bombardment, leading to over 300 Palestinian casualties. Sunday’s exchanges of fire did not immediately result in any reported casualties in either Lebanon or Israel.
Hezbollah, an armed party backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for launching guided rockets and artillery onto three posts in the Shebaa Farms area “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people.
In response, the Israeli military fired artillery into the area of Lebanon where the cross-border fire was initiated, stating, “IDF (Israel Defense Forces) artillery is currently striking the area in Lebanon from where a shooting was carried out.” Additionally, Israel’s military conducted a drone strike on a Hezbollah post in the area of Har Dov.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari assured the public that there was no further threat in Har Dov or the northern arena but emphasized that the military would remain on high alert. The IDF later confirmed firing a warning shot towards a group of “suspects” in the same area.
According to a Lebanese security source, a Hezbollah tent in the Shebaa Farms was hit, prompting the group to erect a new one. The Shebaa Farms, a 15-square-mile area, has been under Israeli control since 1967, although both Syria and Lebanon claim it to be Lebanese territory.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, reported that rockets were fired from southeast Lebanon toward Israeli-occupied territory and that Israel responded with artillery fire into Lebanon. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated that they were in contact with authorities on both sides to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
Due to the heightened tensions, UNIFIL has increased its presence in southern Lebanon. The U.N.’s special coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed deep concern about the exchange of fire and urged all parties to prevent further escalation.
Hezbollah indicated that it was in “direct contact” with leaders of Palestinian “resistance” groups and viewed the attacks on Israel as a response to their continued occupation.
As the situation unfolds, both Israel and Lebanon remain on high alert, and the international community closely monitors developments in the region.
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