IDF Thwarts Attempted Hezbollah Infiltration into Israel // FAI ONLINE

Smoke rises from the site of Israeli shelling in an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and the IDF near the Har Dov area along the border of Lebanon and the Israeli Golan Heights (via Lebanese media correspondent @alishoeib1970 on Twitter)

Tensions along Israel’s northern frontier with Lebanon flashed again after 3-5 Hezbollah operatives crossed the “Blue Line” near the intersection of the Lebanese, Syrian, and Israeli borders on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Sheba’a Farms area, near the Israeli military installation at Har Dov. An anti-tank missile was reportedly fired at Israeli positions, although this could not be confirmed, and the IDF reported no casualties incurred during the incident. Israeli forces detected the infiltration and responded with shelling and return fire, reportedly killing the infiltrators. Lebanese media reported that a house in the community of Arqoub was damaged by an Israeli artillery shell.

Israeli residents in the area were alerted to remain in their homes and major roads were closed after the infiltration was discovered, although the advisory was lifted soon afterwards as it became clear that the threat had been quickly neutralized. The entire incident was resolved in less than an hour, capping nearly a week of tension along Israel’s northern front after Hezbollah mobilized in southern Lebanon in response to the death of one of their operatives in an airstrike near Damascus, Syria last week, which was attributed to Israel.

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu reiterated his stance towards Hezbollah aggression in the wake of the incident, stating that “Lebanon and Hezbollah will be held responsible for any attack coming from Lebanese territory” and that the “IDF is prepared for any scenario.” Hezbollah has announced an upcoming statement on its operation, which has not been released yet.

We ask the global FAI family to continue to intercede during this time. We pray that the complete failure of Hezbollah to cause any damage or casualties in their operation would be a deterrent to them, that the IDF would remain vigilant and successful in their defense of the northern frontier, and that a hedge of protection would be placed around Israeli, Lebanese and Syrian communities near the borders of the three nations, which includes FAI field teams and their native partners. We will continue to serve the people of Israel and the region, in times of peace and war.

Maranatha.