Israeli-Lebanese Artillery Duel Erupts Again

BEIRUT, SATURDAY—Israeli field artillery shells and tank fire struck various locations in southern Lebanon on Saturday (21/3/2025). The Lebanese armed forces were ordered to remain on alert for the possibility of a new war with Israel.

Israeli media, The Times of Israel, reported that the Israeli military or tzahal fired on southern Lebanon. The shots were directed at Nabatieh, among others. The town is less than 20 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israeli Merkava tanks also fired at Khiam, while tzahal soldiers reportedly fired rifles at Hula, Markabar and Kfar Kala.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's news agency, NNA, reported that tzahal aircraft flew over southern Lebanon. According to Israel, the aircraft was flying over the area from which the rockets were fired.

The spokesperson for Tzahal, Avichay Adraee, stated that Israeli jets also attacked several locations in southern Lebanon. The Saturday afternoon attack, Western Indonesia Time, was approved by the Israeli government.

Israel stated that five rockets were launched toward Metula from Lebanon. Of these five rockets, two fell before crossing the Israel-Lebanon border, while the other three were intercepted over Metula.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also warned about the potential for increased tensions. "We urge all parties to avoid undermining the progress achieved so far, especially if the lives of civilians and this fragile stability are at risk. Any escalation in this vulnerable situation could have serious consequences for the region," UNIFIL stated.

According to UNIFIL, the situation remains very fragile and vulnerable. "We urge all parties to adhere to their commitments. UNIFIL forces remain in their positions," the statement continued.

This is the first time in the past three months that rockets have been fired from Lebanon into Israel. The firing occurred amidst a ceasefire between Israel and armed factions in Lebanon. On November 27, 2024, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire.

The developments have worried Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He is worried that Lebanon will be dragged into a new war with Israel. "All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon has decided on war and peace," said the former International Criminal Court (ICC) judge in a written statement.

"I warn against launching a new military operation on the southern borders because of the risk of Lebanon being dragged into another war that will cause misery to Lebanon and the Lebanese people," Salam said.

A new war will drag the Lebanese nation into trouble. For years, Lebanon has been crippled by armed conflict and relentless economic crisis.

As of Saturday afternoon Beirut time, Hezbollah had not commented on the latest tensions. Israel also did not say who fired the rockets at Metula.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of still having military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. In contrast, Lebanon and Hezbollah say Israel continues to occupy and attack Lebanon. Israel continues to maintain troops in the hills of the Lebanon-Israel border.

The issues have been discussed back and forth during years of ceasefires. The latest deal calls for Hezbollah to disarm in southern Lebanon and hand over control to the Lebanese armed forces.

Meanwhile, Israel is asked to leave Lebanon and stop attacking Lebanon. The withdrawal must be completed by February 18, 2025.

Israel apparently continues to station troops on the border and often enters Lebanese territory. Israel also routinely attacks Lebanon and Syria.

In the latest Israeli attack, there has been no news of casualties from Lebanon. There have also been no reports of casualties from Metula. Only sirens wailing and residents rushing to shelters.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held the Lebanese government responsible for firing rockets at Metula. "We will not allow rockets to be fired from Lebanon at the Galilee communities. We promised security to the people of the Galilee. That is what will happen," he said.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the latest tensions, saying he had failed to provide security for citizens and was a threat to Israel's security. (AP/AFP)