Israel Accuses Hezbollah of Ceasefire Violation After Rocket Attacks in Southern Lebanon

JERUSALEM — The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire agreement on Monday after the Lebanese militant group launched rockets and a drone from southern Lebanon toward Israeli forces.

The attack occurred in the early afternoon, with projectiles fired from the Rab al-Thalathine area striking near the Israeli border communities of Kfar Yuval and Ma'ayan Baruch. The Israeli army stated that the launches represented a direct breach of the truce that has held between the two sides since late 2025.

Hezbollah has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. The group has previously claimed responsibility for similar cross-border fire, often citing Israeli military presence in disputed areas as justification. In this instance, the Israeli Defense Forces reported that the rocket fire was unprovoked and targeted active military positions rather than civilian infrastructure.

The incident marks the first significant escalation in the region since the ceasefire took effect. Prior to the truce, the two sides engaged in months of intermittent fighting that resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides and widespread displacement in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

Israeli officials described the attack as a serious threat to regional stability. A spokesperson for the IDF said the military was monitoring the situation closely and preparing to respond if further violations occurred. The statement did not specify whether retaliatory measures were imminent.

Residents in the affected Israeli border communities reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke rising from the direction of the Lebanese border. Emergency services were dispatched to the area, though no casualties were immediately reported. Schools and businesses in the vicinity were placed on alert.

In southern Lebanon, local residents near Rab al-Thalathine reported hearing the sound of rocket launches. Some described seeing smoke trails from the launch sites, while others said they had not witnessed any activity. The area has been a flashpoint for conflict in recent years, with both sides maintaining a heavy military presence.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has not yet commented on the incident. The peacekeeping force has been deployed in the region since 2006 to monitor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese army. UNIFIL typically investigates allegations of ceasefire violations and reports its findings to the Security Council.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have intensified in recent weeks. Regional mediators have been working to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. The United States and European Union have urged both sides to exercise restraint and honor the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

The situation remains fluid as both sides assess the implications of the attack. It is unclear whether the incident will lead to further retaliation or if diplomatic channels will prevent an escalation. The international community is watching closely as the region braces for potential renewed violence.