Tensions escalated once again between Israel and Lebanon on Saturday, as Israeli artillery and airstrikes targeted southern Lebanon in retaliation for rocket fire from across the border. The exchange threatens to undermine a fragile ceasefire that had ended the year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.

The violence marks a dramatic flare-up in a region already on edge, following months of clashes during the Gaza conflict. The Gaza war, which had spilled over into southern Lebanon, led to Israel’s devastating offensive against Hezbollah, resulting in heavy casualties for the Lebanese group, including top commanders and fighters.

Rockets Fired from Lebanon

According to Reuters, Israel’s military reported intercepting three rockets launched from southern Lebanon, specifically from a district located around 6 kilometers (4 miles) north of the border. This marked the second instance of rocket fire from Lebanon since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024, which had temporarily halted the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire had promised a reduction in hostilities, but both sides continue to accuse each other of violations.

People stand at a lookout point overlooking the Israel-Lebanon border on its Israeli side, March 22, 2025. REUTERS/Avi Ohayon

In response to the rocket fire, Israel’s military confirmed it had returned artillery fire, while airstrikes were carried out on towns in southern Lebanon, near the border. The towns targeted included those further inland, with strikes affecting at least three locations. Although these attacks caused significant damage, there were no immediate reports of casualties from either side.

Escalating Tensions

The Israeli military has warned of a severe response to the rocket fire, signaling that its actions could escalate further if necessary. In its statement, Israel’s military emphasized it would continue to monitor the situation closely and determine the exact perpetrators of the launches. Notably, Hezbollah did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving open the question of whether they were directly involved in the latest attacks.

The 2024 Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire brokered in November 2024 had placed specific responsibilities on both sides. Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah was supposed to remove its military presence from southern Lebanon, while Lebanese military forces were tasked with overseeing the area. The deal also stipulated that Lebanon’s government would dismantle unauthorized military infrastructure and seize any remaining illegal arms in the region.

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli soldier stands next to a gate on a road near the Israel-Lebanon border, in Israel, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Avi Ohayon/File Photo

However, the ceasefire has proven fragile, with both Israel and Lebanon accusing the other of failing to uphold its terms. Israel has claimed that Hezbollah still maintains military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah and the Lebanese government contend that Israel continues to occupy parts of Lebanon, including conducting airstrikes and keeping troops at five hilltop positions near the border.

Lebanon’s Warning

In the wake of the latest cross-border clash, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, warned that Israel’s actions could lead to the resumption of military operations in southern Lebanon. In a statement, he emphasized that Lebanon must maintain control over its security decisions, asserting, “All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace.”

Israel’s Stance on Responsibility

In response to the rocket fire, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, made it clear that the Lebanese government would bear responsibility for any attacks originating from Lebanese territory. Katz stated that Israel would not tolerate rocket fire directed at Galilee communities in northern Israel, declaring, “The rule for Metula is the rule for Beirut.”

Metula, a northern Israeli town near the Lebanese border, has frequently been at the center of cross-border skirmishes, and Israel has vowed to protect its northern towns from any further attacks.