Israel responds to Hezbollah firing from Lebanon with artillery fire
Israel responded with artillery fire on Thursday to Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah firing from Lebanon, with no casualties reported so far.
The Israeli army said on its social networks that Hezbollah launched two anti-tank guided missiles from Lebanese soil against the kibbutz of Manara, in northern Israel.
Shortly afterwards, the military spokesman reported further attacks from Lebanon, including the launch of a new anti-tank missile and six rockets, five of which hit unpopulated areas and one of which was intercepted by air defence systems.
In response to these attacks, Israeli forces attacked the sites from which the rockets originated.
Hostilities between Israeli troops and Hezbollah began one day after the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on 7 October. This marks 12 consecutive days of escalation between the Shiite militia in Lebanon and Israeli forces, the longest since the 2006 war.
Yesterday, there were several exchanges of fire on the border: the Shiite group confirmed the firing of guided missiles from Israel at three military positions opposite the Lebanese town of Naqura and at al-Tahyat hill.
The Israeli Army located the firing of missiles from Lebanon on Manara and Rosh Hanikra, adjacent to the Lebanese border and close to the Mediterranean.
IDF shelling in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks. pic.twitter.com/Lw0gOb5yw3
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 19, 2023
In addition, Israeli forces destroyed at least five military posts on Lebanese territory after identifying multiple launches of anti-tank missiles from Lebanon into border communities.
Shortly afterwards, after air raid alarms were sounded in several Israeli towns adjacent to the border, the military spokesman announced that nine rocket launches from Lebanon had been identified, four of which were intercepted by its air defence systems.
In a subsequent incident, army troops identified a "terrorist cell" attempting to launch mortar shells, which was neutralised by an Israeli drone.
The IDF says in response to anti-tank fire towards Israel, it struck multiple Hezbollah targets along the border area, including an observation post. pic.twitter.com/YqONXQvoVM
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) October 19, 2023
There were also attacks on Israeli soldiers' positions in Shtula, Zarit, Dvoranit and Har Dov, all of which are close to the border with Lebanon.
The last twelve days of escalation in the area have left at least 26 dead: five in Israel - four soldiers and one civilian - and at least 21 in Lebanon, including seven civilians - including a Reuters cameraman - nine members of Hezbollah and five members of Palestinian militias.
