Israeli military aircraft struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon early Wednesday morning following an incident on the northern border late Tuesday night. The strike targeted observation posts held by the Iranian-backed Shiite terrorist organization, the military said.
"The IDF considers the Lebanese government responsible for all that transpires on its soil," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement.
"The IDF views this incident very seriously. Any attempt to violate Israeli sovereignty is a serious incident. The IDF will continue to maintain a high level of readiness to protect and defend Israeli sovereignty and security."
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According to available details, Tuesday night's security incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. near Kibbutz Menara when Hezbollah operatives opened fire on IDF troops operating near the border. No injuries were reported.
The troops responded by firing flares and smoke shells as the began a search of the area. Initial assessments maintained that Hezbollah was most likely trying to mount a sniper attack.
The IDF immediately announced a civilian lockdown on the border-adjacent communities of Yiftach, Menara, Margaliot, Misgav Am, and Malkia – a security measure routinely used during security incidents on the border. Restrictions were lifted early on Wednesday morning.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi held a security consultation over the incident.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying with his family on vacation at a hotel in the northern city of Safed on Tuesday night, his office said, adding he was holding security discussions following the incident and receiving regular updates on the developments.
A tense night was also noted on the Israel-Gaza border, as IDF planes bombed Hamas targets in the coastal enclave in response to Palestinian terrorists launching incendiary balloons at Israel, the military said.
The IDF said it targeted underground infrastructure belonging to Hamas, the terrorist group that rules Gaza.
Hamas has been trying to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza and allow more investment in the territory, in part by letting Palestinians launch balloon-strapped incendiary devices and explosives toward Israel.
These devices have torched tracts of southern Israeli farmland in recent weeks, causing considerable damage.
Israel has struck Hamas facilities almost nightly for the past two weeks, saying it would not tolerate arson terrorism.
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