Hezbollah Strikes Northern Israeli City of Kiryat Shmona, Injuring Six

Hezbollah fired a flurry of rockets against the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona over the weekend, setting fires in the city’s open areas and targeting Israeli troops, wounding at least six.

The attacks were retaliation for Israeli strikes earlier in the day against southern Lebanon, which killed two people. Israel identified the slain as Hezbollah, though Lebanese security sources said the attacks killed two civilians who were collecting water.

Strikes in Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding area wounded four Israeli soldiers, one described as seriously wounded. Rockets were also reported hitting an area near nearby Shlomi.

Further strikes continued around Kiryat Shmona throughout the day, with two more soldiers reported lightly injured in the area. The two were evacuated to the hospital, according to officials.

These tit-for-tat strikes come amid growing escalation of tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Strikes are now virtually a daily occurrence, and there is a growing concern that Israel is prepared to launch a full-scale invasion into Lebanon.

Adding to the concern, Israel’s military reported that they have been engaged in exercises throughout the week in preparation for the invasion that has long been threatened. Though Israeli officials suggested a war could begin at any time, there is no timetable for the conflict to begin.