Israel Vows Response After Rockets Fired from Lebanon

Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed a firm response after three rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel on Saturday morning, triggering sirens in the border town of Metulla.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted all three projectiles before they could cause damage, but the incident has heightened tensions along the already volatile northern border.

In a strong statement following the attack, Katz emphasized that Israel would not tolerate threats to its northern communities and placed full responsibility on the Lebanese government.

“We will not tolerate attacks on Galilee communities from Lebanon. Our commitment to their security stands firm—that is exactly what will be,” Katz declared.

“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.”

Cross-Border Tensions Escalate

The latest rocket fire from Lebanon comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that operates along the Lebanese border.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel has frequently held Hezbollah and the Lebanese authorities accountable for any aggression originating from its neighbor to the north.

The IDF confirmed that its air defense system successfully intercepted the three incoming rockets, preventing casualties or significant damage.

Nonetheless, the sound of sirens in Metulla sent residents rushing to bomb shelters, underscoring the persistent threat faced by border communities.

Potential Israeli Retaliation

Israel’s response to cross-border attacks has traditionally involved retaliatory airstrikes on Hezbollah positions and military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Following Katz’s warning, the IDF is expected to take military action, though the specifics of such a response remain unclear. Saturday’s attack marks the latest escalation in a series of cross-border exchanges in recent months.

Since the start of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza last October, Hezbollah has launched frequent rocket and drone attacks on Israel’s northern region, prompting Israeli airstrikes on the militant group’s positions.

The ongoing conflict has fueled concerns of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, a scenario that both sides have so far sought to avoid but remains a looming risk.

Lebanon’s Role and Regional Reactions

Lebanon, currently facing a severe political and economic crisis, has struggled to assert control over its southern border, where Hezbollah operates with significant autonomy.

While the Lebanese government has condemned previous escalations, its ability to prevent further attacks remains in question.

The international community, particularly the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has repeatedly called for de-escalation and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and mandates that no armed groups other than the Lebanese Army operate south of the Litani River.

However, the resolution has been largely unenforced, with Hezbollah maintaining a strong military presence in the area.

Uncertain Path Forward

With Katz’s statement signaling imminent Israeli retaliation, tensions in the region are likely to rise further.

As Israeli forces prepare their next move, the prospect of continued tit-for-tat strikes raises fears of a broader conflict, which could have far-reaching consequences for both Israel and Lebanon.