Three missiles were fired from Southern Lebanon at Northern Israel just after noon on Wednesday. Two of the projectiles landed in open areas near the northern town of Kiryat Shmona. The third failed to cross the border and landed in Lebanese territory.
There were no physical injuries or damage on the Israeli side of the border, but four people were treated for shock.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) immediately returned fire with artillery. Israel also sent a message to Lebanon via the United Nations warning that if calm was not restored, the IDF response would escalate.
Israel holds the government of Lebanon responsible for all acts of violence emanating from its territory, though there are a number of armed militias operating in Lebanon outside the control of the authorities. Israeli officials believe Wednesday’s attack was carried out by a small Palestinian group, and not by Hezbollah.
At press time, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and other top officials were meeting to discuss Israel’s full response to the provocation.