After the recent attack in Gaza that commenced yesterday, Israel's northern front found itself drawn into the conflict. On Sunday morning, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the incident, launching mortar bombs at the Mount Dov sector in the northern region of the country. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliated with artillery fire aimed at the areas in southern Lebanon from which the rockets were launched. In light of the escalating situation, residents in Israeli towns in the north chose to evacuate their homes, relocating to the central part of the country.
A representative from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stationed in Lebanon, offered insights in an interview with Al Jazeera. The official reported, "We are closely monitoring the launch of mortar bombs from southern Lebanon towards Israeli positions, and subsequent artillery responses from Israel." They added, "Our primary aim is to engage with all relevant parties to de-escalate the situation and prevent further conflict in the region. We urge all parties to exercise restraint."
צה״ל מגיב בדרום לבנון לירי שבוצע לפני מספר דקות לאזור הר דוב בצפון הארץ. pic.twitter.com/qcG9Dnprxv
— Jonathan Elkhoury- جوناثان الخوري (@Jonathan_Elk) October 8, 2023
The IDF spokesperson disclosed that Israel targeted the infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the vicinity of Mount Dov. A remotely operated aircraft recently struck the infrastructure of Hezbollah, specifically focusing on the tent complex established by the organization on Mount Dov. Following the mortar bomb attacks, the IDF's Home Front Command issued directives to residents in the northern region near the conflict zone, advising them to restrict access and close their gates to visitors for safety.
Hezbollah, in an official statement, declared its motives for the attack, stating, "In an effort to reclaim our occupied Lebanese land and express solidarity with the Palestinian resistance and people, the Imad Mornia units of the resistance launched an assault on three outposts of the Zionist occupation in the Havat Sheba area, employing a significant number of mortars and guided missiles, resulting in direct hits on the outposts."
Earlier, Hezbollah released a statement emphasizing its close monitoring of developments on the ground in Palestine, asserting that it maintains "direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance both domestically and internationally."
זליגת האירועים לחזית הצפונית החלה: ירי מרגמות הבוקר מדרום לבנון לעבר מוצבים בהר דב. צה"ל השיב אש. pic.twitter.com/czHq1vYYXG
— roi kais • روعي كايس • רועי קייס (@kaisos1987) October 8, 2023
Furthermore, the organization clarified that while it had not previously indicated an intention to engage in hostilities on the southern Lebanese front simultaneously with Hamas's announcement of a large-scale war on the southern front, there exists a potential for Lebanon to be drawn into such a conflict. This concern heightened, particularly after the public call by the commander of Hamas's military arm, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif, who urged Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran to unite in the fight against common adversaries.
