Concerns over ceasefire as Israel retaliates against Hezbollah rockets

Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah rocket fire near a watchtower, the first time the group has attacked Israel since a ceasefire came into effect last week.

- William Christou

An Israeli military spokesperson said the army was attacking targets in Lebanon but would give "further details later". Earlier, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had vowed a "strong" response to Hezbollah's attack.

Hezbollah launched two rockets near a watchtower in the occupied Shebaa farms earlier last night. They landed in an open area and caused no injuries. The group said the attack on the watchtowers was an "initial warning defensive response" against "repeated violations" by Israel of the ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli bombing constituted the most significant attacks since the ceasefire was established on Wednesday. The Israeli military had carried out several strikes over the past week but at a lower intensity. Israeli media reported that France, which is supposed to supervise the implementation of the deal, had accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement 52 times since its establishment.

The resumption of tit-for-tat strikes in south Lebanon and north Israel has caused concern that fully fledged fighting between Hezbollah and Israel could resume just five days after a ceasefire was announced.