In a significant escalation since the onset of cross-border confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel on October 8, Israeli artillery resumed striking targets in southern Lebanon following a violent Thursday night.
Israeli bombardment on Friday targeted Bayt Lif killing a Hezbollah member.
Israeli artillery also targeted the outskirts of the towns of Aita al-Shaab, Kfar Kila, Mays al-Jabal, Aitaroun, Taybeh and Yaroun. Moreover, the Israelis conducted a sweeping operation from their positions in western Galilee, targeting Alma al-Shaab with heavy machine guns. This occurred amidst intense reconnaissance and drone flights over southern Lebanon, particularly along the coast from Mansouri to Tyre. A low-flying reconnaissance drone has been roaming the skies of southern Lebanon since the early hours of the morning. Additionally, more than one hostile drone, including Heron and Hermes models, was flying at low altitude over the towns of Bafliyeh, Bareesh, and Debaal.
For its part, Hezbollah claimed an attack on the Metula settlement on Friday.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adrae announced on Friday that the army had shot dead two fighters from the pro-Iranian group, who had been trying to plant explosive devices near the border on Sunday. An Israeli commando team removed the bodies.
Heavy Intensification of the Hostilities
Additionally, the U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon urged de-escalation on Friday after a big increase in hostilities at the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The UNIFIL force has witnessed “heavy intensification of the hostilities across the Blue Line” and throughout its area of operations, the UN body spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told Reuters.
“We are concerned about the escalating tensions along the Blue Line and urge all parties to de-escalate immediately,” he said.