Photo: Depositphotos
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reacted harshly to the morning rocket attack from Lebanon, which broke the silence on the northern border for the first time in many months.
“We will not allow shelling of the Galilee. We promised security to the residents, and that is exactly what will happen. The law of Metula is the same as the law of Beirut. The Lebanese government is responsible for any shelling from its territory,” Katz said on Friday, 22 March.
He also said that he had instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to respond to the level of threat.
The shelling took place at 7:32-7:33 am, when the “Tzeva Adom” alarm sounded in the town of Metula, located near the Lebanese border. Local residents reported hearing explosions.
According to IDF officials, at least three rockets were fired from Lebanese territory and successfully intercepted by Israeli air defence systems. No casualties or damage were reported.
This is the first shelling from Lebanon in recent months since the parties informally adhered to a ceasefire following an escalation in autumn 2023. In Israeli military circles, the shelling was perceived as a serious violation that could have consequences for stability on the northern front.
The IDF is on high alert. The army is expected to announce further retaliatory steps in the near future.
