Tensions between Israel and Palestine spilt beyond their borders as Palestinian militant groups in Lebanon launched multiple rockets at northern Israel. The incident has raised fears of a broader regional conflict amid intensifying clashes in Jerusalem’s holy sites.
Rockets from Lebanon
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 34 rockets were launched from Lebanon, of which five landed in Israeli territory, 25 were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defence Array, and four launches are under review.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the attack was the largest since the 34-day war between Israel and Lebanon in 2006. The US-based outlet reported that air-raid sirens blared across northern Israel, and people living in the region had to seek refuge in bomb shelters. Israeli health officials stated that at least two Israelis were wounded by shrapnel.
🚨Massive escalation as reportedly 30 plus Rockets fired from southern Lebanon into Israel in one hour. Despite Iron Dome, reports of damage coming in.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 6, 2023
Airspace in northern Israel including Hafia airport closed.
Israel authorizes intial directives of Artillery and Air response pic.twitter.com/H6Rtn7hMDf
It is unclear whether the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was involved. However, several Palestinian groups, including Hamas, have infrastructure and bases in Lebanon and allegedly operate with the tacit support of Hezbollah.
The IDF retaliated early Friday morning by bombing militant infrastructure in Lebanon. It announced on Twitter that the Israeli military is currently striking targets in Lebanon, including those belonging to Hamas. “The IDF will not allow the Hamas terrorist organisation to operate from within Lebanon and hold the state of Lebanon responsible for every directed fire emanating from its territory,” the military warned.
Lebanese PM Najib Mikati’s Reaction
Condemning those responsible for launching rockets towards Israel, PM Najib Mikati said Lebanon “refuses any escalation from its territory.” He added that his country “rejects the use of its territory” for launching destabilising attacks.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that it is “fully engaged” with Lebanon and Israel regarding scaling down tension. It stressed that the two sides were uninterested in a war, urging them to cease all destabilising actions. “The actions over the past day are dangerous and risk a serious escalation,” UNIFIL warned.
Attacks from Gaza continue
Meanwhile, rocket attacks from Gaza against Israel continued for the third day in a row. While reports blame the attacks on the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist group, Israel has reiterated that it will hold Hamas responsible for any escalation from the enclave.
Several Iron Dome interceptions near Sderot. pic.twitter.com/ujIZhnW2xy
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 6, 2023
Following the strikes, the IDF targeted Hamas tunnels in the cities of Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis. Additionally, two Hamas weapons manufacturing sites were bombed. Moreover, the IDF reported that an Israeli drone destroyed a heavy machine gun, which was used to fire at Israeli fighter jets, in northern Gaza.
According to the IDF, at least 44 projectiles, including rockets and anti-aircraft missiles, have been launched from Gaza.
Clashes in Al Aqsa
The violence at Israel’s northern and southern borders occurred as clashes between the Israeli police and Palestinians continued at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Temple Mount. Violence erupted on Tuesday as Israeli forces entered the mosque to apprehend Palestinians who were reportedly stockpiling stones and firecrackers for rioting.
Palestinian worshippers claim that Israeli forces deliberately harass and bully them during the month of Ramadan. So far, over 350 Palestinians have been detained by Israel’s security forces.
Such clashes are common during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan every year and threaten to further destabilise the region. In 2021, clashes in Jerusalem devolved into a full-scale 11-day war between Israel and Hamas. The fighting killed over 230 Gazans and 12 Israelis.