The Israeli army confirmed on Monday that there was a “security incident” on the country’s northern border with Lebanon, and said its forces were in “continuous combat” with Hezbollah militants.
Local media reported an exchange of fire in an area known as Chebaa Farms, which was captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war and claimed by Lebanon. Most Israeli civilians were ordered to stay inside amidst the hectic fight between bitter rivals in almost a year.
Residents near the border said the fighting lasted about an hour and that there were a series of explosions.
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Israel had been on high alert that they could be attacked after an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed a Hezbollah militant last week. However, Israeli army spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the army “was able to successfully thwart an attempt to infiltrate Israel” by a group of armed militants.
“We know for sure that they were armed and that they crossed the Blue Line into Israel,” he said, referring to the line that outlines Israel’s border with Lebanon.
Conricus said that no Israeli forces were injured in the exchange, but could not comment on the condition of the militants, who he said fled the scene.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that he, his defense minister and the chief of staff are “constantly monitoring what is happening on our northern border.”
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He added: “Our policy is clear. First, we will not allow Iran to become militarily entrenched on our border with Syria … Second, Lebanon and Hezbollah will be responsible for any attack on us from Lebanese territory. Third, the IDF they are prepared for any scenario. We are active in all areas for the security of Israel, both near and far from our borders. “
Israel and Hezbollah fought to a standstill in a month-long war in Lebanon in 2006. Israel has carried out dozens of airstrikes in Syria in recent years targeting what it says are Iranian arms shipments destined for Hezbollah in the Libano.
There was no immediate statement from Hezbollah.
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The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, said its commander Major General Stefano Del Col was in contact with both sides to assess the situation and ease tensions.
“It urges maximum restraint,” said the UNIFIL statement.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
