Rockets fired at Metula from Lebanon; IDF hits back after Houthi missile intercepted

Metula came under rocket fire from Lebanon on Shabbat morning, with six rockets launched at 7:30 AM, triggering two air raid sirens. The IDF intercepted three rockets that crossed into Israel, while the others fell short of the border. In response, the IDF struck targets in southern Lebanon, including Yuhmur al-Shaqif, with artillery fire.

The barrage followed a tense Shabbat eve when, just after 10:30 PM, sirens blared across Jerusalem, central Israel, and dozens of towns due to a Houthi missile launch from Yemen—the third consecutive daily attack. The missile, intercepted outside Israeli airspace, prompted no immediate damage, though Palestinians in Hebron reported falling debris. The Houthis claimed responsibility, alleging the target was Ben Gurion Airport, which they called “unsafe for air traffic.”

Affected areas included Beit Hilkia, Yad Binyamin, Kiryat Malachi, Modi’in, Rehovot, Ramat Gan, and Beit Shemesh, among others.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to strike dozens of terror targets in Lebanon, declaring, “Israel will not tolerate attacks on its citizens or sovereignty.” They held Lebanon accountable for actions from its soil, vowing to ensure northern residents’ safety.

Lebanon’s presidency condemned the escalation as an attempt to reignite conflict, urging its army to investigate and prevent further violations. The IDF confirmed strikes on Hezbollah launchers and a command center, calling the Metula attack a “blatant violation” of Israel-Lebanon understandings.