Just a few hours after UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that the situation was stable in the south, the situation rapidly deteriorated with the launch of 15 rockets from the Qlayla Plain in Lebanon. The Israeli army responded with artillery fire and incendiary shells targeting the towns of Deheira, Zabqin, Qlayla, and the Mari Plain, while UNIFIL forces sounded alarms at their centers. Three security sources told Reuters today, Tuesday, that “a barrage of rockets was fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel, marking the third consecutive day of violence along the Lebanese-Israeli border.”
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli vehicle, stating in a statement: “In response to the Israeli attacks targeting several observation points belonging to the Islamic Resistance, our fighters on the evening of this day targeted an Israeli Zilda armored personnel carrier near the Sadah site west of the town of Salha (the settlement called Avivim) with two guided missiles, successfully hitting and completely destroying it.”
Hebrew Channel 13 reported that the Israeli army urged residents of the settlement overlooking the Lebanese border to evacuate their homes. The Lebanese Army issued a statement from the army command - Directorate of Guidance, stating: “On 10/10/2023, the outskirts of the Qlayla and Deheira regions and other border areas in Tyre District were subjected to artillery bombardment by the Israeli enemy, following the launch of rockets from the Qlayla Plain towards the occupied Palestinian territories.”
While the Israeli army indicated that an Israeli troop carrier was hit by a Kornet missile from Lebanon in the Avivim settlement, army spokesperson Avichai Adraee explained: “IDF tanks struck a Hezbollah observation post in response to the launch of rocket fire from within Lebanese territory towards Israel. A military helicopter also targeted another Hezbollah observation point after it launched an anti-tank missile towards an Israeli military vehicle in the Avivim area.” He added: “The IDF is prepared for scenarios on all fronts and will continue to protect the residents of the State of Israel.”
Two more soldiers were reported killed due to clashes on the Lebanon border, raising the total to four fatalities. The Israeli Home Front Command requested settlers in the areas adjacent to the barrier to enter fortified rooms. According to a media source close to Hezbollah, the two vehicles targeted by Hezbollah were completely burned in the Avivim settlement opposite Maroun al-Ras.
In an initial response, UNIFIL indicated: “At around 5:30 PM, UNIFIL observed a rocket launch from the south of Tyre. We are still in contact with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate this extremely dangerous situation. We urge everyone to exercise restraint at this critical time.”
Tenenti confirmed to “Warda” that “the rules of engagement have not changed up until now,” describing the current situation as volatile. He also denied that international forces had withdrawn from any of their positions, noting that “as part of the routine measures taken in situations like those we are witnessing on the border, UNIFIL forces take precautionary measures and adhere to shelters.”
The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to avoid traveling to the Lebanese-Israeli border area.
