Lebanese Prime Minister Condemns Rocket Attack; Israel Launches Retaliatory Strike

The Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has condemned the rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon, warning that such actions risk endangering Lebanese citizens and could be used as justification by Israel to expand its military operations in the country.

The statement came shortly after the Hizbullah group claimed responsibility for an attack targeting an Israeli air defence site south of Haifa. The Iran-aligned group has frequently criticised the United States military presence in the Middle East and Israel’s operations against Hamas militants in Gaza, with southern Lebanon serving as a long-standing base for launching their attacks.

“Regardless of who is behind it, the rocket attack from southern Lebanon is an irresponsible and suspicious action that endangers Lebanon’s security and safety, and gives Israel a reason to continue its attacks on the country,” Salam wrote in a post on the X platform.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated they had launched retaliatory strikes targeting Hizbullah positions. Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya of the IDF called upon residents in several southern Lebanese towns to evacuate immediately for their safety.

“Hizbullah’s activities have forced the Defence Force to act against it. The Israeli Defence Forces do not wish to harm you,” Waweya said.

“For your safety, you must evacuate from your homes immediately and move away from villages by at least 1,000 metres to an open area,” he added.

International responses to the escalating tensions have emerged, with the Chinese government expressing deep concern over military strikes against Iran conducted by the United States and Israel. The Israeli military has mobilised 100,000 reserve troops in Operation “Roaring Lion” against Iran. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated agreement with the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear programme whilst warning of the risk of further escalation in the Middle East conflict.