BICOM

Four Katyusha rockets fired from southern Lebanon exploded in the western Galilee inside Israel last night. No injuries were reported, while one of the rockets hit a gas tank that set off a fire. The IDF responded with artillery fire in the direction of where the rockets were launched. An army spokesperson said that the incident was viewed with gravity, and underscored that the Lebanese government and army are responsible for preventing rocket attacks.

The Israeli Northern District Police raised the level of alert, but did not issue orders for residents in the area to evacuate to bomb shelters.

The incident marked the first time since 2009 that rockets were fired across the border. Following the investigation of the incident, the IDF will most likely file a complaint to the UNIFIL forces stationed in southern Lebanon, noting a breach of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Israel’s security services do not believe Hezbollah is responsible for the overnight attack, as in their assessment the movement is not interested in an escalation at this time. Instead, Israel’s security services say a smaller faction, likely linked to the global jihad movement, is responsible for the rocket fire.

Due to internal conflict in Syria, Israel is paying increasing attention to its northern borders and incidents that could serve as a distraction or catalyst for an escalation in violence.

No organisation has yet to take responsibility the rocket fire.