Tensions Escalate: Israel Strikes Lebanon Following Rocket Attacks

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon early Saturday in retaliation for rockets fired into northern Israel. The Israeli military reported intercepting three rockets targeting the town of Metula, marking the first such attack since a fragile ceasefire agreement was reached in November.

The Israeli government has held Lebanon accountable for the incident, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructing the military to act decisively against "dozens of terror targets" in Lebanon. The strikes reportedly targeted Hezbollah positions, though the group has denied involvement in the rocket launches, describing them as "primitive".

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has urged the military to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the country's desire to avoid a return to war. Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon expressed alarm over the violence, warning of the potential for serious regional consequences.

This exchange of fire underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing challenges in maintaining stability along the Israel-Lebanon border. Both nations face mounting pressure to uphold their commitments under the truce, as the international community watches closely.