Hezbollah rockets and drones target northern Israel as IDF strikes terror targets in Lebanon

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came under renewed pressure on Friday after Hezbollah launched rockets and explosive-laden drones at northern Israel and Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Throughout the day on Saturday, the IDF reported rocket fire toward the Galilee Panhandle, multiple suspected drone infiltrations from Lebanon, and a series of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah terrorists, launchers and infrastructure used for attacks.

Hezbollah attacks northern Israel and IDF troops

Sirens warning of rocket fire sounded Friday afternoon in Margaliot, Manara and Misgav Am. The IDF later said that two rockets had been launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel. One was intercepted and the second struck an open area. No injuries were reported.

Later, sirens warning of a suspected drone attack sounded in the Western Galilee. The military said air defenses shot down one suspected Hezbollah drone, while contact was lost with a second suspicious aerial target, indicating it likely crashed. No injuries were reported.

Earlier in the day, the IDF said it intercepted another suspicious aerial target over an area of southern Lebanon where Israeli troops are deployed. The target, suspected to be a Hezbollah drone, did not cross into Israeli territory.

By evening, the IDF said Hezbollah had launched several explosive-laden drones at Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon. The drones exploded near the forces but did not cause casualties.

IDF strikes Hezbollah launchers, operatives and buildings

Israel responded with a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon against what the military said were immediate threats to troops and civilians.

Overnight, the Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in Deir ez-Zahrani, Kfar Reman and Sammaaiyeh, all north of the IDF-held security zone. The military said the launchers posed a real threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians.

Later Friday, the IDF said it killed several Hezbollah terrorists in separate incidents. In one strike near Yohmor, just north of the security zone, the military said three Hezbollah terrorists traveling in a pickup truck armed with weapons were killed.

In another incident, the military said it struck a terrorist riding a motorcycle inside the security zone. Two additional armed Hezbollah terrorists identified by troops in the area were also killed in an airstrike, according to the IDF.

By evening, the IDF said it had also struck several buildings used by Hezbollah, including by its elite Radwan Force, inside the Israeli-held security zone. The military said the structures were used for storing weapons and carrying out attacks, and were struck to remove a threat to soldiers and civilians.

Ceasefire violation drives another day of escalation

Friday’s attacks underscored the fragility of the ceasefire, with Hezbollah again launching fire at Israeli communities and troops despite the agreement still formally being in place.

Although no Israeli casualties were reported in the rocket and drone attacks, the repeated launches and the Israeli response marked another serious escalation along the northern front.