The Israeli-Lebanese border has calmed down after skirmishes aggravated the area on Sunday, but tension remains high.
Several Katyusha missiles were fired from southern Lebanon onto northern Israel on Sunday morning. Some missiles hit an army base on Mount Meron. This was the furthest missiles have reached into Israel, and the first time they hit such a strategic target, army officials said.
In the ensuing clashes between the army and the armed Hizbullah organization, two members of Lebanese groups were killed and an Israeli soldier was seriously wounded. These were the worst clashes on the border since Israel withdrew its army from southern Lebanon exactly six years ago.
The United Nations brokered a cease fire on Sunday evening and civilians in Israel’s north were informed they could leave their shelters.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Sunday Israel will use all aerial and ground responses to strike back at terrorists.
“We also do not want any innocent Lebanese civilians to be caught up in these exchanges of fire,” Olmert said, but added that Israel will strike a “painful blow” at those who try to disrupt life in the north of the country.
Israel is holding the Lebanese government responsible for attacks on the northern border.
Lebanon is currently under international pressure to disarm groups operating in its territory such as Hizbullah and several Palestinian organizations.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora condemned the Israel strikes on Lebanese territory and blamed Israel’s presence in Shib’a Farms for the deterioration of the situation. He said Beirut is investigating the conditions under which rockets were launched from Lebanon onto Israel “in order to put an end to them.”