“We will not tolerate attacks on Galilee communities from Lebanon. Our commitment to their security stands firm—that is exactly what will be,” Katz said.
“Metulla and Beirut will be treated the same. The Lebanese government is fully responsible for any fire originating from its territory. I have instructed the IDF to respond accordingly.”
His statements came after the IDF intercepted three rockets from Lebanon.
Sirens were activated in Metulla in Israel’s North as a result of the launches.
Lebanon warns of resuming war
Following Katz’s statements, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment. Afterward, the military noted that the IDF would respond severely to the morning’s attack and that thee State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.
Lebanon’s prime minister Nawaf Salam warned on Saturday of the potential renewal of military operations in the south of the country.
“All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” Salam said in a statement after Israel struck towns in southern Lebanon in response to a cross-border rocket launch.
Israel’s Army Radio said the military was returning artillery fire. Lebanon’s state news agency said Israeli artillery hit two towns in southern Lebanon and airstrikes hit three other towns closer to the border.
Hezbollah-owned news outlet Al Manar reported that the IDF conducted airstrikes in Yahmar al-Shaqif, Arnoun, Kfar Tibnit, Markaba, Khiyam, and Houla.
The outlet also claimed that the military fired on Houla, Markab, and Kfar Kila with machine guns. Air raid sirens sounded at UNIFIL bases in air raid sirens sounded at UNIFIL bases in Deir Siryan and Adshit al-Qusayr.
The IDF also added that there are no changes in the Home Front Command security guidelines.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
This is a developing story.
