Multiple missile, rocket, and gunfire attacks were launched from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel on Thursday, as the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip continues to intensify. Skirmishes between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah terror group have been escalating, with both sides launching attacks on each other.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that two anti-tank guided missiles were fired in the morning at Kibbutz Manara, near the border, resulting in no injuries. In response, the IDF conducted artillery shelling toward the missile launch site. Later in the day, at least two barrages of rockets were fired toward northern communities, triggering sirens in several towns, including Nahariya. The Iron Dome air defense system intercepted at least one projectile, while five others landed in open areas without causing any damage.
The IDF also stated that another anti-tank guided missile was fired from Lebanon, and gunfire was heard near Zar’it. The military promptly retaliated by conducting artillery shelling toward the sources of the attacks.
Hezbollah has been relentlessly firing anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, and mortars at Israeli military positions and towns since Hamas initiated its assault on southern Israel on October 7. The terror group has also sent gunmen, some affiliated with Palestinian terror groups, to infiltrate northern Israel. Additionally, several drones have been intercepted over the region.
Yesterday, the IDF carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon as a response to the previous day’s missile, rocket, and mortar attacks. One person was moderately wounded during one of the attacks on Wednesday.
Amid the increasing threat of war, the community of Manara is among the 28 northern communities being evacuated. The exchanges of fire on Thursday were part of a series of skirmishes on the northern border involving Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas operatives. Israel has warned Lebanon that if Hezbollah continues to escalate its attacks, the country could suffer significant consequences.
Since the exchanges began, five Israeli soldiers, 13 Hezbollah terrorists, and five Palestinian terrorists have been killed. One Israeli civilian also lost their life in a Hezbollah attack, and two Lebanese civilians and a journalist were reportedly killed by Israeli shelling.
The attacks from Lebanon are occurring as Israel wages war against Hamas in Gaza following the terror group’s assault on the country. Over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and hundreds were kidnapped and brought to the Strip as a result of Hamas’s attack.
The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, issued a warning to Hezbollah, stating that the group would face “destruction” if it makes a mistake.
The possibility of the war expanding has prompted escalating threats from Iran. With Israel preparing a ground offensive to topple Hamas’s rule in Gaza, both Israel and the US have cautioned Iran and Hezbollah to stay out of the conflict. Washington has even sent two aircraft carrier groups to the region as a show of support for Israel.
In light of the heightened tensions, the IDF and Defense Ministry have been evacuating civilians from towns up to two kilometers from the Lebanese border. These towns have been repeatedly targeted by rocket and missile attacks from Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions.
Hezbollah has declared its readiness to join Hamas in the war against Israel when the time is right.