Israeli airstrikes kill 2 civilians in Lebanon, Hezbollah denies involvement
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on the town of Tulin in southern Lebanon killed two civilians and injured ten others, according to the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting towns including Yater, Khreibeh, and Kfar Houna, as well as the Iqlim al-Tuffah heights and the Jabal al-Jbour area.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that the strikes targeted dozens of rocket platforms and a command center used by Hezbollah. "This action follows a breach of the ceasefire agreements, with rockets fired toward theGalilee panhandle platform earlier today, a direct threat to Israeli citizens," Adraee stated, warning that “Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for maintaining these agreements.”
#عاجل 🔸 جيش الدفاع هاجم عشرات المنصات الصاروخية ومقر قيادة عمل من داخله عناصر إرهابية من حزب الله في لبنان🔸أغار جيش الدفاع قبل قليل في أنحاء لبنان على عشرات المنصات الصاروخية وعلى مقر قيادة عمل من داخله عناصر إرهابية من حزب الله الإرهابي. 🔸يشكل إطلاق القذائف الصاروخية صباح…
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 22, 2025
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz ordered military forces to intensify retaliatory actions. "We will not tolerate rocket fire from Lebanon. Any aggression will be met with a harsh response," Katz declared, following the interception of three rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel earlier in the day.
In response, Hezbollah denied any involvement in the recent rocket launches from southern Lebanon.
It confirmed that the Israeli allegations serve as pretexts "for continuing its attacks on Lebanon, which have not stopped since the announcement of the ceasefire." Hezbollah reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing its support for the Lebanese state in addressing this "dangerous Israeli escalation" against Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's actions, calling the strikes a “continuing violation” and emphasized Lebanon's need to remain vigilant in protecting its citizens. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed growing concern over the escalating violence, urging international pressure on Israel to halt its airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Salam warned of the potential for a wider conflict and stressed the importance of keeping decisions regarding war and peace under Lebanese state control.
Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reiterated Lebanon's commitment to diplomatic efforts, asserting that the country “does not seek escalation but aims to push Israel to cease its aggression.” He highlighted Lebanon’s ongoing diplomatic efforts with both regional and international allies to prevent further Israeli attacks.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called for restraint from both sides, warning that further escalation could lead to severe regional consequences.
This marks the first time rockets have been fired from Lebanese territory since the ceasefire came into effect in November 2024. However, Lebanese authorities report that Israel has breached the ceasefire over 1,500 times, continuing to occupy five key Lebanese positions. In addition, Israel has been accused of carrying out several targeted assassination operations and airstrikes deep within Lebanese territory, spanning from the south to the north and the Beqaa Valley.
