On Saturday, Lebanese authorities faced a significant security challenge as unidentified rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards the Israeli border town of Metula.

This incident prompted an Israeli military response involving airstrikes primarily targeting the northern Litani region.

The escalation comes approximately four months after a ceasefire agreement had been established between Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli Air Force conducted multiple air raids on southern Lebanon, affecting cities including Tyre and wider areas of eastern Lebanon.

The attacks resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injured at least eight others, according to local reports.

Israeli officials reported that they intercepted three rockets launched from southern Lebanon, claiming that six rockets were fired towards the Galilee region, three of which entered Israeli territory.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the government of Lebanon bears responsibility for actions taken on its soil.

In response to the rocket fire, the Lebanese Army conducted searches in the area, discovering three makeshift rocket launchers near the Litani River between the towns of Kfartabnit and Arnoun, which were subsequently dismantled.

The Lebanese military affirmed its commitment to maintaining order in the southern region.

A Lebanese security source indicated that military personnel are analyzing samples from the launch area and gathering relevant security data to compile a report for governmental authorities.

A Lebanese official, preferring anonymity, suggested that the area from which the rockets were fired had previously been utilized by Palestinian factions during what was termed the 'Support War,' hinting at the involvement of various non-Lebanese entities without assigning immediate blame.

The Israeli government responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordering the military to target multiple purported terrorist sites in Lebanon in retaliation.

The Israeli Defense Forces later confirmed attacks on several Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, asserting responsibility for their actions and reiterating the Lebanese state's accountability.

At least four individuals, including a child, were reported killed due to the bombardment.

A Lebanese news agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on the village of Tulin resulted in further casualties, while other local media highlighted numerous Israeli airstrikes concentrated on the northern Litani area.

This latest bout of violence marks the most significant security challenge since the ceasefire on November 26, as it involves the first instance of unidentified rockets targeting an Israeli locality during this period.

Prior to this, there had been two instances where Hezbollah had claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Israeli positions, responding to Israeli strikes.

In the wake of these developments, Lebanese authorities have mobilized both security and diplomatic channels to mitigate the fallout.

Communication lines were established with the Lebanese military for urgent action, monitoring the ceasefire, and liaising with UNIFIL.

Highlighted discussions took place at high political levels, notably between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun.

UNIFIL’s spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, urged all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize recent advancements, stressing the need to maintain stability amid civilian threats in the region.

He emphasized the fragile nature of the current situation and encouraged adherence to existing commitments.

Despite the tensions, the ceasefire has maintained relative stability, although both sides have accused each other of violations.

The Israeli military continues to maintain a presence at several strategic points along the southern Lebanese border.

In Israel, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces pledged a strong response to the rocket launches towards northern Israel.

General Eyal Zamir noted that Lebanon must adhere to the terms of the ceasefire, while Minister of Defense Israel Katz asserted that the Lebanese government is accountable for the rocket fire from its territory.

He assured the residents of the Galilee that their security is a priority, stating, 'The fate of Metula is the same as that of Beirut.'

Sirens were activated early on Saturday in Metula, with municipal leaders noting that only 8% of local residents had returned since the ceasefire began.

Some residents opted to leave the area in light of the recent hostilities.