Lebanon’s Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for firing rockets at northern Israel late Sunday, marking its first such attack since the November 2024 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
The Iran-backed group said the strike was carried out in “revenge for the blood” of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening phase of the recent US-Israeli bombing campaign on Iran.
Rocket intercepted, no casualties reported
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), one rocket fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel was intercepted, while several others landed in open areas. No injuries or significant damage were reported.
Hezbollah claimed it targeted a missile defence site south of Haifa and described the attack as a “warning” to Israel. The group demanded Israel withdraw from what it described as “occupied Lebanese territory”, referring to five border posts Israel has retained citing security concerns despite the 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Escalation fears amid regional war
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem had earlier stated that the group would not remain “neutral” if the United States attacked Iran, though he stopped short of fully committing to joining a broader regional war.
Following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, the Lebanese government reiterated that it would not allow Lebanon to be dragged into a wider conflict, amid growing fears of multi-front escalation.
Analysts warn that Hezbollah’s move could open a new northern front for Israel, potentially complicating efforts to contain the rapidly expanding conflict across West Asia.