Dozens of rockets were fired at Israel on Thursday afternoon local time, and at least five of them crashed into Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces, (IDF) said in a statement.
Air raid sirens went off across the country on Thursday as Israel began Passover celebrations, the largest escalation of tensions between Israel and the militant groups vying over control of Lebanon since 2006.
It was unclear whether the ruling Hezbollah political party, Islamist militant group, or other Palestinian faction launched the rockets. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not indicated whether retaliatory measures will occur.
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No faction in Lebanon claimed responsibility for the rocket strikes, however, journalist Joe Truzman, reported that IDF International Spokesperson Richard Hecht said that Hamas and or other Palestinian armed groups are responsible for rockets launched at the country.
The United States says ally Israel has the right to defend itself after a barrage of rockets from Lebanon.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We recognize Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against all forms of aggression,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel tells reporters.
“We condemn the launch of rockets from Lebanon and Gaza… and we recognize Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against all forms of aggression.”
Israel’s air defense intercepted 25 of the rockets, while five landed on Israeli territory that included the northern town of Shlomi and the rest probably fell inside of Lebanon, the IDF said, according to Axios. At least three people sustained injuries, Times of Israel reported.
“First day of Passover. As we sit at the holiday table, family and friends, Israel is facing rockets from south and north,” Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said in a statement. “No one should test us, we will take all necessary measures to defend our country and people.”
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Hezbollah’s military component issued a statement Thursday morning declaring solidarity with the Palestinians, one day after Palestinians and Israeli police forces clashed at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the temple mount, according to Axios. Hezbollah promised to support “the resistance factions” in further actions to defend the mosque.
“Hezbollah proclaims its full solidarity with the Palestinian people and the resistance groups, and pledges that it will stand with them in all measures they take to protect worshipers and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and to deter the enemy from continuing its attacks,” the group said, according to Times of Israel.
Violence at Islam’s third holiest site that left multiple Palestinians injured sparked tit-for-tat air strikes between Israel and Gaza, Times of Israel reported.
Lebanese media said pro-Palestinian factions in the country launched the rockets, citing sources close to Hezbollah that the political party and militant group, which dominates Lebanon’s government, was not behind the attack, according to Axios.
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Israel’s security council will convene later Thursday once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a briefing from defense officials, the Times of Israel reported.
The UN Interim Force In Lebanon has expressed extreme concern over the escalation and ordered personnel to remain inside bomb shelters.
Head of mission Gen. Aroldo Lázaro said he was communicating with Israeli and Lebanese authorities.
“The current situation is extremely serious,” said Maj. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, the head of the U.N. peacekeeping force operating along the Lebanese-Israeli border, adding that he’s been in touch with authorities in both countries to “avoid further escalation.”
Media reports and flight data showed the airspace above northern Israel was closed.
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